What Does a “Standard” Offer Really Look Like in 2025?

Landing an offer is exciting! But knowing what to make of it (what’s typical, what’s negotiable, and what really matters) can be harder to figure out, especially when the definition of “standard” keeps evolving.

Through our research at Veris Insights, we regularly benchmark trends in the recruiting space, from candidate preferences to employer practices. Our latest study takes a closer look at how full-time, salaried offers are being structured in 2025, what’s changed, and where things may be headed. As a newsletter reader, you’re getting an exclusive look at what some of the country’s top employers are offering right now and where there may be more room to ask questions or negotiate than you might think.

 

What Most Companies Are Still Offering

The basics are holding strong. If you’ve received a full-time offer, there’s a good chance it includes:

• Medical coverage (offered by 92% of employers)
• A matched 401K or retirement plan (86%)
• Paid time off (PTO) (81%)
• Vision and dental insurance (79%)
• Paid parental leave (70%)

 

The Sometimes-Included Extras

Beyond the basics, some employers are offering more, but not everyone is. These perks aren’t guaranteed, but they’re not rare either. If something here would make a meaningful difference in your decision, it’s worth asking about, even if it’s not listed outright.

• Tuition assistance or student loan help (offered by 53%)
• Professional development stipends (47%)
• Wellness allowances (43%)
• Flexible work schedules (31%)

 

The Rare (But Often Negotiated) Add-Ons

Then there are the benefits that show up less frequently, but often come up during negotiations. These are typically tied to specific roles, levels, or hiring challenges. If you’re relocating, bringing niche skills, or have multiple offers on the table, they’re worth mentioning.

• Signing bonuses (standard for just 23% of hires)
• Relocation assistance (included in only 9% of offers)
• Equity or stock options (offered by 16%)

 

What to Think Through Before Saying Yes (or No)

Once you have the offer in hand, step back from the basics and nice-to-haves to review the offer as a whole:

• Role clarity: Do you know what success looks like in this role, and how it’s measured?
  
• Manager fit: Will you be supported, developed, and challenged?
  
• Team dynamic: Do the people you met seem collaborative and inclusive?
  
• Lifestyle alignment: Does the schedule, location, or travel fit your day-to-day life?
  
• Growth potential: Will this role help you build toward your long-term goals?
  
• Compensation trajectory: Are there clear paths for raises, bonuses, or promotions?
  
• Stability and flexibility: Is the company’s work model (remote, hybrid, in-office) realistic for your needs?

 

Should You Negotiate? Hint: The Answer Is Always Yes.

Negotiation might not feel the most comfortable or natural, but it’s a normal and expected part of the process. It’s not about being pushy. It’s about making sure you have what you need to show up and do your best work.

The team chose you for a reason. They’ve spent time getting to know you, they’re excited about you, and they usually want to make things work where they can.

Still, it’s common for candidates to wonder: Will they rescind my offer if I negotiate? While legally its possible, rescinding an offer purely because someone negotiates professionally and respectfully is extremely rare, and strongly discouraged by best hiring practices.

If you’re not sure where to start:

• Start with gratitude. Express appreciation for the offer and enthusiasm for the role.
• Be specific. Focus on one or two things that would make a meaningful difference for you, like salary, relocation support, or development opportunities.
• Ground your ask. Use salary benchmarks, your own research, or a competing offer to anchor your request. Tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi (for tech roles), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are helpful starting points to see what’s typical for your role, level, and location.
• Keep it collaborative. Stay professional and solutions-focused. This is a conversation, not a demand.

 

You don’t need the offer to be perfect, you just need it to work for you. Knowing what’s typical in 2025 and what matters most to your career, lifestyle, and goals can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.