Negotiate salary with potential US employer

[CWattson]

Smuggling what? Big macs?

have afigure in mind, dertmined by you, and see if the firm matches it or exceeds it. If not, then you've got some negociations to do.

Do do their work.

I completely agree to this.
In fact, all the points made by Angelson are appropriate!

[usinca]

"have a figure in mind, determined by you"...that is exactly what I am trying to do

[agnelson]

"have a figure in mind, determined by you"...that is exactly what I am trying to do

Well, that is not how you started your post, is it?

You asked how "they" would determine your income, and wondered if "they" should convert your current salary.

"They" doesn't sound even remotely like "I" or "you".