How badly do you want the job? If you don't want it that badly, just turn the offer down, because the company has already screwed up once and you're not even w

How badly do you want the job? If you don't want it that badly, just turn the offer down, because the company has already screwed up once and you're not even working for them yet. If you want or need the job, try to push your offer up 30% but settle for 20%. This won't put you at the same level as you friend, but take comfort in the fact that he'll be axed before you. At 6 months, quit if you're getting crappy assignments, not learning anything, or otherwise being underestimated; if you're getting good projects and doing good work, negotiate another 15% raise at the end of the year, and another 15% at the end of the year after that, closing the discrepancy. Do not mention the discrepancy to them. You won't make any friends by doing this, since most companies hate when employees discuss or compare salaries with each other, and you don't want to put your friend's career in jeopardy. If it's that much of a big deal to you, then don't take the job.