So this isn't usually what we talk about here, but fuck it. I need input.

Entering negotiations for a position that combines two technical skillsets. This combination is uncommon, so hard to baseline. A few results from glassdoor etc gave me pretty wide margins, based on what looks like the closest match to the skill combination in question.

It's also a 100% remote role, so I don't know if I should compare salaries to my location or where the company is based. The skill combination is in high demand, but this would be my first job in such a role. So I'm kind of entry level, but in an advanced field.

I have a bottom line number in mind, based on the margins from research, and my current salary. but I don't want to under-sell myself either. My strategy so far is to try and draw an initial offer out of them and work toward what I want, but I also feel like a more assertive approach might get better results.

Is it better to let them open with an offer and work up to what I want, or should I roll in with a high number up front and work down to my bottom line through counter offers?