<prompt> Human: Ive been working at this restaurant for 2 12 years. I started as a busser, was promoted to server, and now have to opportunity to become a manager. I am VERY foreign to salary negotiations. Furthermore, im not sure what would be the most beneficial salary to walk away with.The preliminary discussions seem to point to a salary somewhere inbetween 35,000 and 40,000. I know at the federal tax level, anything over 36,900 puts me into the 25 tax bracket. Would asking for 38,000 be less beneficial than asking for 36,500? I am not sure how the standard deduction would affect this as wellOther information that might be helpful in making this decision:- I currently have healthcare through the expanded medicaid package at no cost- I live in Louisville, KY: State tax of 5.8 on income between 8001 - 75,000 I cannot find valid information on city taxes- I will file as a single, independent workerFurthermore, I have considered asking for an hourly rate. I cannot afford to work more than 40 hours without significant compensation. Is it normalacceptable to ask for, say, 21 an hour for this type of position?Thank you so much for any help!  <response>: It is not normal for managers to ask for a hourly pay in most restaurant unless its a smaller mom and pop place. Managers make salary because in the business a manager usually can expect to work 55 hour weeks. Source : 13 years in the biz 