When recruiter asked what is the expected salary - I usually tell them it’s negotiable / and ask for their salary range. But this company I am currently interviewing at I asked for the range and he said it varies.. and would not provide me with the range. According to glassdoor range it shows 81-149K. From the employees’ TC is showing 125K. In this case what should I answer for the salary range? I do not want to low ball and end up getting lower than what they were planning to pay. 3 YOE + current TC: 90K
Glassdoor salaries are not accurate. Lower in my experience
They have to tell you the range as per legal requirements. You should push them to tell you.
I wouldn't take this hostile negotiation tactic with a recruiter. In my experience, its ok to do the dance of "I don't tell you my target, you don't tell me your range". Instead take the tactic of letting the recruiter know you're really interested, but you are also exploring other opportunities/interviewing. Then once they give you an offer, let them know you appreciate opportunity but the money falls to short. Then let them know the range of a few other offers you are getting that are higher and see if they can make it up. Allow them to counter, then make a final ask for 10 to 20% more and let them know if they can meet that then you'll sign the offer letter. I've used this general format previously and had great success. Moved an offer from TC of $205K to $250K (Seattle, PM 12+ years, FANG 4+ years). Remember that the recruiters want you to get the job just as bad as you want it, and they are actually their to help you get the compensation you're looking for. Pro-tip #1 - get actual competing offers Pro-tip #2 - triangulate realistic TC targets from Blind, H1-B Visa (salary only), paysa, levels.fyi, & glassdoor.
Tell them something a bit higher than you feel comfortable asking for. If you feel fine asking for 100k, bump it up to 125k. If they really like you after the interview loop they will either give you what you asked for or negotiate.