Short answer: Quick answer: include salary wording only when the posting, recruiter, or form explicitly asks—whether phrased as salary expectations, expected salary, salary range, or salary requirements. Put it after your strongest proof paragraph, use a range when possible, keep a forced single number flexible, state currency/location/compensation scope, and never cite market data you cannot verify.
Applicants whose job posting, recruiter email, or application form explicitly asks for salary expectations in or alongside the cover letter.
Avoid adding salary expectations when nobody asked, when you would need to invent market rates, or when the paragraph would appear before your strongest proof.
Write your currency, location, preferred range or required single number, base-vs-total compensation note, and one proof paragraph before drafting.
Only answer when asked — no matter how the request is worded
Whether the posting says salary expectations, expected salary, salary range, or salary requirements, the rule is the same: include a short expected salary paragraph only when the employer, recruiter, or application form explicitly asks. Place it after your strongest proof paragraph and before the closing. If no one asks, do not volunteer salary information in the letter.
Use a range, state scope, and only give a single number when forced
A useful salary paragraph has four parts: your range (or required single number), the currency and location context, a note on whether you mean base salary or total compensation, and a flexible closing tied to role responsibilities. If an application form forces one number, enter it in the form and keep the cover letter wording flexible.
Three requested salary scenarios
Range requested — “For this [location]-based role, my expected base salary is [currency][lower]–[upper], depending on responsibilities and the total package.” Employer range provided — “The posted [currency][lower]–[upper] base range is compatible with my expectations, subject to the final scope and total compensation.” Single number required — enter [currency][amount] in the required field, then write: “I entered [currency][amount] as requested and remain open to discussing it against the role’s scope and total package.” Replace every bracket; never leave a placeholder in the sent letter.
Prompt
FAQ
Where should I put salary expectations in a cover letter?
Only include them when requested. Put the salary expectation paragraph after your role-fit proof and before the final closing paragraph, so the letter still leads with evidence.
What if the posting says 'salary requirements' instead of 'salary expectations'?
The same workflow applies: answer only when asked, place the paragraph after proof, use a range when possible, state currency and location, and clarify whether you mean base salary or total compensation. If a form forces a single number under 'salary requirements,' enter it in the form and keep the cover letter flexible. Never cite market data you cannot verify.