Company hires internal employee for $69K, even though the job posting says the salary range is $79K-$131K: 'We cannot negotiate offers for this position.'

Author image for Emmy Pratt
Emmy Pratt • Senior Editor
Jun 26, 2026 7:45 AM EDT

Can they just lie like that? 

It can be hard to know when you're underpaid. A lot of people claim to be underpaid, even when their salary is pretty standard for their industry and experience level. Most employees don't have access to their company's books, so they have no way of knowing whether they're making more than their coworkers or whether their bosses and managers are bringing home the big bucks while they get pennies. 

Sometimes you can tell you're underpaid because you're doing the jobs of multiple people. If you're working the equivalent of three different positions, and you're only getting paid for one of them, you're getting underpaid, no matter how your boss wants to swing it. If your workload doesn't reflect your title, there's a good chance you're getting underpaid.

It can be borderline impossible to get a raise when you've been working like a dog for years and have shown your boss that you're willing to put up with bad working conditions long-term. They might just get rid of you and replace you with someone else who is willing to tolerate low pay because they feel like they have nowhere else to go. 

The employee in this story has proven she's a good employee, and her company is promoting her as a reward. However, they're not willing to give them the same salary they would give an external hire. It's not even like they're giving her the bottom of the salary range. They're offering her a salary that's $10K below the bottom of the salary range in the job posting! Why are they doing it? Because they know that they can get away with it, at least for now, and they have faith that she doesn't presently have other offers on the table. 

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  • Cheezburger Image 10642432256
    via Vitaly Gariev

    A model representing an employee who received an internal job offer for a paltry salary. 

  • I was offered a salary far below the posted minimum salary. Do I take it or leave it?

    I applied for an internal job at my current company offering a salary range of $78,800-$131,000
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • I applied, went through interviews, and have been offered the job. I got the offer today from HR for $69,443. I obviously tried to
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • negotiate using the job responsibilities, my background etc. I also noted that this was below the starting point salary from the job description.
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
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    The LinkedIn Recruiter tool, which helps companies hire external employees.

  • HR came back and said "Unfortunately that number is automatically put on the listing and we do not ever go to the high end of that. HR takes into account experience,
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • tenure, and cost of living when making offers. I apologize as I know the automatic posted numbers do complicate things. [company VP's name] has said we cannot
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • negotiate offers for this position." I sent a message to my Would Be Manager if I took the job and basically said in a more professional way "hey I
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • got my offer from HR and it's way below the posted range can we discuss this?" And I'm waiting on a response/call from her. I'm expecting that she is going to say it is what it is
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • and I can take it or leave it. My question is basically what should I do?/what are your thoughts and experiences with something like this? How
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • would you feel? I honestly wouldn't have applied to the role if the starting salary range began with what they offered me. Plus I'm now
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • feeling super discouraged and not excited about the new job anymore.
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • crossplanetriple For one, now you know the internal scam. Second, how much of a bump up is this role? I would take it if it automatically gives you a raise and start looking elsewhere. This is why I recommend for the highest comp increase, look externally. You have little leverage to apply internally as they know how much earn now. you
    via u/crossplanetriple
  • laserpewpewAK That's the dumbest sh I've ever heard but sounds on point for many HR departments. If it's more than what you're making now the obvious choice is to still take it, then leverage the new title in 6-12 months to make a lot more at a better company.
    via u/laserpewpewAK
  • Bucky2015 Yeah that "its automatic" excuse is bulls, and i am understanding that people arent always going to get the top end of the range, it depends on how well you match up with the required qualifications and the preferred qualifications. But they better d in sure make the offer WITHIN their posted range! "Its automated" well then automate or check it and change as needed.
    via u/Bucky2015
  • JayMoots Are you in New York state by any chance? If your company knowingly lied about the salary range, they're potentially in violation of the pay transparency law and you can report them. (Other states might also have a similar law on the books, so if you're not in NY, check your local laws.) Was HR dumb enough to put that in writing or are you paraphrasing a conversation you had? Other than that, I guess you don't really have any leverage except to turn down the job.
    via u/JayMoots
  • wubbalubbadubdub666 OP Unfortunately I'm not in a state with this law. I'm actually formerly an employment law attorney but am now working in corporate. I know it isn't illegal but d n if it isn't deceptive and frankly unprofessional
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • Outside-Season-5602 I have been in this position. Since it's internal, im not surprised the salary is lower than posted range. If you were an external candidate, im sure the salary is higher. Is the job a promotion or lateral? if it's a promotion, and you are early in your career, I would accept the job, but also start looking elsewhere. If it's a lateral move where you are at the same level, I would pass and look for job externally. this puts you in a weird position within the company and they
    via u/Outside-Season-5602
  • wubbalubbadubdub666 OP You'd think logically they'd pay higher than even the base/minimum for an internal hire! Lots of training and such they won't have to do at all, etc. It is a promotion so I'm leaning towards accept but it is so discouraging and deceptive feeling I'm just having a bad taste in my mouth now
    via u/wubbalubbadubdub666
  • jonahtrav I said this before but one of the things I've learned from reading these Reddit posts is you only get real substantial raise is when you switch to another company it's the stupidest thing but the company you're working with now they don't want to pay you more... so you have to make a jump to another company to get what you're worth so take the new job in 6 months from now or maybe even now use that new title and look for a job.
    via u/jonahtrav
  • """
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of happy employees at a good company where they get paid what they deserve. 

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salary boss internal employee new job hiring human resources
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