Is it okay to ask about salary during the first interview?

From a legal and practical standpoint, it's generally not advisable to bring up salary in a first interview, though it's not prohibited. The hiring manager will almost certainly bring it up themselves once they've determined you're a viable candidate - usually after the initial round or two. Asking about it too early can give the impression that you're primarily motivated by money rather than genuinely interested in the role, which isn't the vibe you want to create when you're still making your first impression.

That said, there's nothing inherently wrong with knowing what the position pays before investing more time in interviews. If the job posting doesn't include a salary range (which honestly, more companies should do), it's perfectly reasonable to ask HR or a recruiter about the compensation band before committing to multiple interview rounds. You can frame it professionally: "Could you share the salary range for this position so I can determine if it aligns with my expectations?" That's direct without being presumptuous. Some states actually require employers to disclose salary ranges upon request, so definitely know your local employment laws if you're in a jurisdiction that has that protection.

The sweet spot is usually asking about compensation after they've expressed genuine interest but before you've invested substantial time in the process. If you make it to a second interview or they're clearly moving you forward, that's when it becomes more natural to discuss numbers. Think of it strategically - you want leverage, and leverage only exists once they want you. Early on, you're still building that desire.