> The fact is that many employers don't actually know what they would be willing to pay someone. Until they have met them, assessed them, heard what they salary

> The fact is that many employers don't actually know what they would be willing to pay someone. Until they have met them, assessed them, heard what they salary target is and weighed it up against their skills and experience and calibrated it against the team. One of the reasons I want to know the salary range upfront is that it tells me the bare minimum they are paying for that position. Companies love lowballing candidates, so I usually don't apply for an offer that doesn't pay at least the minimum I'm looking for. > Far more important is to know the salary target that you are aiming for. It's also important to know the company's budget. I don't enjoy working at places that can't afford a $200/year IDE license, to name a common example. Fat salaries often come with fat budgets.