How to Talk About Salary and Employment Terms in Israel

Step-by-Step Instructions

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   In brief

   Have you recently made Aliyah? Discussing salary and employment conditions may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. However, in Israel, openly talking about compensation and contract terms is completely normal and widely accepted — it's seen as a sign of professionalism, confidence, and awareness.

   The better you understand your rights and the structure of your compensation package, the more secure you'll feel in your new workplace.

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   Don't be afraid to talk about money

   In Israel, discussing salary and employment terms is seen as a sign of professionalism, confidence, and awareness. The better you understand your rights and the structure of your compensation package, the more secure you'll feel in your new workplace.

   In Israel, salaries are typically discussed in terms of gross monthly salary (maskoret bruto — before taxes).

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   Prepare for the salary question

   Toward the end of an interview, you'll almost always be asked about your salary expectations.

   Research salary ranges for your profession in advance using sites like:

   • AllJobs
   • Drushim
   • Glassdoor

   When answering, give a salary range rather than a specific number. You can also explain that your expectations depend on the responsibilities, scope of the role, and overall compensation package.

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   Smart negotiation techniques

   • Turn the question around. If asked about your salary expectations, consider responding with: "Could you share the salary range budgeted for this position?" This shifts the initiative to the employer and gives you valuable information before you state your own expectations.

   • Set the top of your range slightly above your ideal target. This creates room for negotiation.

   • Briefly explain why you value yourself within that range — highlight your experience, skills, achievements, or relevant expertise.

   • Emphasise that salary is important, but so are working conditions, professional development opportunities, and benefits. This demonstrates that you're interested in building a long-term relationship with the company.

   • Take a deep breath and stay calm. Feeling nervous is perfectly normal — try to control your pace and avoid speaking too quickly.

   • Be prepared for counteroffers. If the employer proposes a lower salary, you can calmly ask whether compensation can be reviewed after you've completed your onboarding period and demonstrated your value.

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   Read your employment contract carefully

   Your employment agreement should clearly specify:

   • Your salary and compensation structure
   • Overtime pay policies
   • Vacation and sick leave entitlements
   • Pension contributions and severance-related benefits

   Never rely solely on verbal promises. If something is important, make sure it appears in writing.

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   Review your payslips (Tlush Maskoret)

   Every month, you should receive a payslip — Tlush Maskoret (תלוש משכורת). This is one of the most important financial documents for employees and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that:

   • Your employer is paying you according to Israeli labour law
   • Your employment rights are being respected
   • Taxes and social insurance contributions are being deducted correctly

   If anything looks off, raise it with HR or payroll early — small monthly discrepancies compound quickly.

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   Ask about additional benefits

   Does the employer cover:

   • Transportation costs?
   • Meals?
   • Phone expenses?
   • Professional training?

   If so, ask for these benefits to be clearly stated in your employment contract.

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   Keren Hishtalmut — a powerful savings benefit

   A Keren Hishtalmut (קרן השתלמות) is a special savings fund commonly offered by employers in Israel. Although it was originally designed for professional training and development, today it is widely used as a medium-term savings and investment vehicle.

   One of its biggest advantages is its favourable tax treatment: investment gains are generally tax-exempt, and there are no requirements regarding the regularity of contributions.

   Key facts:

   • A Keren Hishtalmut can only be opened through your employer, and providing one is generally not mandatory — but it's worth asking about.
   • Typical contributions: 7.5% of your salary contributed by the employer, 2.5% contributed by the employee.
   • The funds generally become available after 6 years and can be used for any purpose.
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   Additional tips

   • Ask about the social and health-related benefits offered by the employer.

   • Check whether severance compensation may be available even if you resign voluntarily under certain circumstances.

   • If the position is temporary or contract-based, clarify the conditions for renewal or extension.

   • Don't hesitate to ask questions. It's always better to understand everything upfront than to encounter surprises later.

   Open and transparent conversations about salary and employment conditions are an important part of professional life in Israel. The more informed and prepared you are, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and make confident career decisions.

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    Assisting bodies

    ITWorks is a non-profit organisation that supports Olim and other job-seekers in entering the Israeli workforce, providing career guidance, professional retraining, and placement support.

    This guide was prepared in collaboration with NGO ITWorks.

    ITWorks NGO
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    Related guides

    Other guides in the Career — Israeli job search (ITWorks) series:

    • Writing an Israeli-Style CV
    • Using LinkedIn for the Israeli Job Market
    • Where and How to Look for a Job in Israel
    • How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Israel
    • 8 Common Mistakes Olim Make When Looking for a Job in Israel