Job Offer Comparison
Compare total compensation packages to make an informed decision.
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Enter salary information for at least 2 jobs to compare
What to Compare in Job Offers
Base salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Total compensation includes many factors that can significantly impact your financial situation.
Key Factors to Consider
- Base Salary: Your guaranteed annual pay
- Signing Bonus: One-time payment when you join
- Annual Bonus: Performance-based additional pay
- 401(k) Match: Free money for 401(k) (typically 3-6%)
- Health Insurance: Employer's premium contribution
- PTO: Paid vacation and sick days
- Equity/Stock: RSUs, options, or profit sharing
- Other Perks: Education, gym, meals, etc.
Hidden Costs to Factor In
- Commute: Gas, transit, tolls, wear on vehicle
- Parking: Can be $200+/month in cities
- Work Attire: Some jobs require professional dress
- Relocation: Moving costs if required
Valuing Non-Monetary Benefits
Some benefits are harder to put a dollar value on but matter greatly:
- Remote work flexibility
- Work-life balance and hours expectations
- Career growth opportunities
- Company culture and team fit
- Job security and company stability
Rule of Thumb
Benefits typically add 20-40% on top of base salary. A $80,000 salary with good benefits might be worth $100,000+ in total compensation. Use our Benefits Value Calculator to quantify your total comp package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you compare two job offers?
Compare total compensation, not just base salary. Calculate: Base salary + bonuses + 401(k) match + health insurance value + PTO value + other benefits. Also factor in commute costs, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and company culture. A lower salary with better benefits and less commute time may be more valuable.
What's more important: salary or benefits?
Both matter. Benefits typically add 20-40% to base salary. Good health insurance saves $5,000-15,000/year, 401(k) match adds 3-6% to compensation, and generous PTO has real dollar value. However, base salary affects future raises, so balance is key.
How much is a 401(k) match worth?
If a company matches 50% up to 6% of salary, that's worth 3% of your salary annually. On a $80,000 salary, that's $2,400/year in free money. Full 6% match = $4,800/year. This compounds over your career into significant retirement savings.
Should I accept a lower salary for better work-life balance?
It depends on your priorities and financial situation. Calculate the hourly rate difference (salary ÷ actual hours worked). A $70k job working 40 hours/week may pay more per hour than a $90k job working 60+ hours/week. Also consider stress, health, and personal time value.
How do you value remote work vs in-office?
Remote work saves on commute time (1-2 hours/day), commute costs ($200-500/month for gas/transit/parking), work attire, and meals. This can equal $5,000-10,000/year in savings and time. Some accept 10-15% lower salary for full remote work.
What if one offer has a signing bonus?
Signing bonuses are one-time payments, not annual compensation. If comparing offers, divide the signing bonus by 2-3 years to estimate its annual value. A $10,000 signing bonus adds roughly $3,000-5,000/year value short-term, but doesn't affect long-term earnings like base salary does.