Jackson should respond with a salary range that is both realistic and reflects his understanding of the market for assistant designer positions. A well-informed approach would be to research typical salaries for this role in his area and consider his experience and skill level.
If the salaries listed reflect a realistic range for an assistant designer, he might consider stating a range that starts at the lower end but aligns with industry standards. For example, if he believes $35,000 is a reasonable starting point for entry-level positions, he could provide a range such as "$35,000 to $52,000." This shows that he has done his homework and understands both entry-level and slightly higher salaries, while also being open to negotiation.
Therefore, an ideal answer could be: "Based on my research and understanding of the industry, I believe a salary range of $35,000 to $52,000 would be appropriate for this position." This conveys confidence and a professional approach to salary discussions.