When you’re browsing job listings, you may come across salary descriptions like “Salary: DOE” and wonder, What exactly does DOE mean? The acronym DOE stands for “Depending on Experience.” It’s a common placeholder used by employers to signal that the offered salary isn’t fixed—it will vary based on the applicant’s skills, qualifications, or industry background.
But “DOE” isn’t the only way to phrase this. There are many alternative acronyms, phrases, and shorthand expressions that convey the same idea—some more formal, others more transparent.
Whether you’re a job seeker, recruiter, or HR writer, understanding these variations can help you communicate compensation expectations more clearly and effectively.
Below are 30 alternatives to the phrase “DOE”, each with a short explanation, example sentence, and when it’s best to use it based on tone, context, and culture.
💬 30 Alternatives to “DOE” (Depending on Experience)
1. DOQ – Depending on Qualifications
Meaning: Salary will depend on the applicant’s credentials.
Example: Salary: DOQ for the ideal candidate with advanced certifications.
When to use: Ideal in academic or technical industries.
2. BOE – Based on Experience
Meaning: Salary reflects the applicant’s experience level.
Example: Compensation BOE, especially for senior-level applicants.
When to use: A straightforward alternative to DOE.
3. Commensurate with Experience
Meaning: Salary matches the candidate’s background and skill.
Example: Salary is commensurate with experience and performance history.
When to use: Professional, commonly used in corporate settings.
4. Negotiable
Meaning: Open to discussion based on skills and market rates.
Example: Salary negotiable for the right candidate.
When to use: When flexibility is a selling point.
5. TBD – To Be Determined
Meaning: Will be decided after evaluating the applicant.
Example: Salary: TBD following the interview process.
When to use: Use when you’re undecided or customizing per applicant.
6. Open
Meaning: No fixed range; employer is open to offers.
Example: Compensation: Open for discussion.
When to use: Startups, flexible roles, or first hires.
7. Market Rate
Meaning: Salary aligns with industry standards.
Example: We offer a competitive market rate.
When to use: Emphasize fairness and competitiveness.
8. Competitive
Meaning: Higher than average or attractive for the role.
Example: Offering a competitive salary package.
When to use: When you want to stand out.
9. Range Available Upon Request
Meaning: Range will be shared privately.
Example: Salary range available upon request or during interview.
When to use: Discreet roles or small companies.
10. Customized Offer
Meaning: Tailored to candidate’s unique value.
Example: We’ll create a customized offer for the right person.
When to use: Boutique firms, specialized roles.
11. Flexible Compensation
Meaning: Salary and benefits can be adjusted.
Example: Flexible compensation based on your career goals.
When to use: Roles where perks or equity are part of the package.
12. Sliding Scale
Meaning: Salary moves within a range based on experience.
Example: We use a sliding scale to determine salary.
When to use: Nonprofits or grant-funded orgs.
13. Performance-Based
Meaning: Salary or bonuses tied to results.
Example: Pay structure is performance-based.
When to use: Sales, tech, and startup roles.
14. Salary Upon Interview
Meaning: Will disclose during/after interview.
Example: Salary details to be discussed during the interview.
When to use: When you want to assess the candidate first.
15. Project-Dependent
Meaning: Salary will be based on specific project involvement.
Example: Compensation is project-dependent and varies by scope.
When to use: Contract or freelance work.
16. Experience-Adjusted
Meaning: Will adjust based on applicant’s background.
Example: Expect an experience-adjusted offer.
When to use: When fairness is important.
17. Tiered Salary System
Meaning: Structured pay based on levels.
Example: Our tiered salary system rewards seniority.
When to use: Larger companies or structured environments.
18. Equity-Based
Meaning: Includes stock options or company shares.
Example: Compensation may be partially equity-based.
When to use: Tech startups or founder-level offers.
19. Experience-Band Compensation
Meaning: Salary fits into predefined experience ranges.
Example: We offer experience-band compensation tiers.
When to use: Corporate HR with strict salary bands.
20. Role-Based Pay
Meaning: Salary depends on the role’s responsibility.
Example: Pay will depend on your actual role within the team.
When to use: Cross-functional teams or hybrid positions.
21. Pay Commensurate with Impact
Meaning: Based on potential value added.
Example: We reward pay commensurate with impact and initiative.
When to use: For mission-driven or high-growth orgs.
22. Offer Pending Review
Meaning: Will decide after full evaluation.
Example: Offer pending review of portfolio and skills.
When to use: Creative, design, or custom-skilled positions.
23. Candidate-Driven Offer
Meaning: Invite the candidate to name their expected salary.
Example: We support a candidate-driven offer process.
When to use: Modern, people-first companies.
24. Inclusive Pay Model
Meaning: Based on equity and fairness principles.
Example: We follow an inclusive pay model across all roles.
When to use: DEI-focused orgs and nonprofits.
25. Aligned with Internal Equity
Meaning: Matches internal compensation structure.
Example: Salary aligned with internal equity and seniority.
When to use: Structured orgs concerned with fairness.
26. Adjusted for Market Conditions
Meaning: Responsive to supply, demand, inflation, etc.
Example: We offer salaries adjusted for market conditions.
When to use: During economic shifts or niche markets.
27. Hybrid Compensation Package
Meaning: Combo of base, bonuses, perks.
Example: You’ll receive a hybrid compensation package.
When to use: Mid-to-senior tech roles.
28. Potential-Based Pay
Meaning: Based on perceived potential to grow.
Example: We reward potential-based performance, not just experience.
When to use: Junior hires, apprenticeships, or mentorship roles.
29. Job Scope Dependent
Meaning: Depends on how broad the role turns out to be.
Example: Salary will be job scope dependent.
When to use: Flexible, evolving roles.
30. DOE+Bonus Structure
Meaning: Combines experience-based pay with performance incentives.
Example: We offer a DOE+bonus structure tied to quarterly goals.
When to use: For motivating high-performers.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Phrase
When selecting a DOE alternative for a job listing or internal discussion, consider:
- Audience clarity: Words like “competitive” or “negotiable” are clearer than acronyms like DOE or DOQ.
- Industry norms: “Commensurate with experience” is more common in law, government, and academia, while “flexible” or “open” is startup-friendly.
- Legal transparency: In states with pay transparency laws, using vague terms like “DOE” may not be compliant.
- Tone & style: A friendly tone may favor “customized offer,” while a formal one may lean on “commensurate.”
✍️ Final Thoughts
While “DOE” is efficient, it’s often vague. As compensation transparency grows more important in recruitment, choosing the right phrase can build trust and attract stronger candidates. The key is aligning tone, intent, and fairness—so applicants feel informed, not puzzled.
When in doubt, be clear, kind, and direct.