Take some time to look at all these factors and decide what's important to you. As you move along and up the career ladder, eventually some or all of these will have greater or lesser importance. To help you with the salary answer, you should already have some idea of your target salary range. This range is most often based on industry and company knowledge, and on your research of salary ranges for similar jobs in the same industry and region. Expect your salary to vary according to the area of the country you live in.
Location is a big factor also since the cost of living varies geographically as well.
For example, if you work in New York City or San Francisco versus Birmingham, AL, your take-home pay will vary greatly. The U.S. Department of Labor, salary surveys, the Internet, your college career services office, and this issue of our magazine are sources for this type of information. Also assess any strengths you have in relation to the offer. If you feel that you are in a good negotiating position, you will find the employer will be willing to respond to various aspects of the negotiation. For example, a recent grad can ask if a salary-hiring bonus is part of the salary offer.