As soon as you are determined creditable of hire, it is then the hiring party's responsibility to get the most for the least and for you to do the same. Obviously there are sensible ranges that must be taken into account. No one can work for 10 cents an hour and insist a million a year plus corporate jet privileges your first year as a janitor might be unacceptable to both parties.
The thing to keep in mind, the thing that I had seen written in other editorials for years and heard from everyone in just about any industry is that you should never accept the first offer. From time to time there will be an organization that simply won't move on their wage because it is all part of the "plan" or funds that they have in place. Government employment is infamous for this. Even in those cases, ask.
I can proudly say that I did ask and was pleased nicely because of it. I grew around 30 percent on my income because I told them I loved the company and wanted the position but simply needed more money to prolong my wife and kids.
What I found was that once I certainly gave them reason for an acceptable increase in salary, they knew better! With a little awkward glances and gentle coughs, I was given the "well, yes of course" conversation.
In most cases your capable employer is well versed in how much money they should be paying you but will always try to save where they can. They are in a business after all and if I established their deal then it was my problem after that.
Ultimately, it just can't hurt to ask. The worst they can tell you is no. The best they can tell you is, "it's negotiable".
