Come Up With a Number Before you come up with a number do a little homework. Find out what other professionals in your field make, on average, and consider the supply-demand of your local job market when coming up with a number. Refer to a few salary sites to get a good idea of the typical salary range for your field. When you have a clear picture of the market along with the salary you are in a better position to negotiate about your salary. You need to have some unique skill sets that might be the basis for getting a good solid raise, even in this market.