How Bootcamp Grads Can Negotiate Their First Tech Salary

In this episode, Lucas and Luna tackle a topic many bootcamp grads dread: salary negotiation. Drawing on data from the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey and real-world examples from companies like Buffer and GitLab, they explain why bootcamp grads often leave money on the table — and how to avoid it. Lucas breaks down the concept of 'compensation anchoring' and shares a specific tactic: using salary-transparent job boards like Levels.fyi and Comparably to build leverage before the first offer comes in. Luna pushes back on the fear of 'asking too much' and offers a reframe rooted in salary transparency movements. The conversation also touches on how bootcamp grads can leverage their unique pathway — including portfolio projects and cross-functional skills — to justify competitive pay. By the end, listeners will have a concrete script for the 'What are your salary expectations?' question, a strategy for negotiating beyond base salary (equity, learning budget, remote flexibility), and a clear sense of how to advocate for themselves without a traditional degree. The hosts also briefly discuss why keeping this show ad-free matters to them, and how listener support helps maintain that independence. #SalaryNegotiation #BootcampGrads #TechCareers #CareerPivot #Compensation #SalaryTransparency #LevelsFyi #StackOverflowSurvey #Buffer #GitLab #NegotiationTips #FirstTechJob #Reskilling #Careers #Bootcamp #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CareerChange Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo