Job Offer Comparator
Compare two job offers side by side to see which one gives you more total compensation.
Offer B wins by
$17,250/yr
After-tax difference: $11,273/yr
Offer A Total Comp
$113,208
After tax: $73,981
Offer B Total Comp
$130,458
After tax: $85,254
Side-by-Side
| Item | Offer A | Offer B | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $95,000 | $105,000 | $-10,000 |
| Annual Bonus | $10,000 | $5,000 | +$5,000 |
| 401(k) Match | $5,700 | $4,200 | +$1,500 |
| RSU/Stock | $0 | $15,000 | $-15,000 |
| PTO Value | $7,308 | $6,058 | +$1,250 |
| Other Benefits | $0 | $0 | — |
| Health Insurance Cost | $-2,400 | $-4,800 | +$2,400 |
| Commute Cost | $-2,400 | $0 | $-2,400 |
Note
Total compensation is more than numbers. Consider career growth, company culture, work-life balance, and job satisfaction alongside financial factors.
What to Compare Beyond Base Salary
Base salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Total compensation includes bonus, equity/RSUs, 401(k) match, health insurance (employer contribution), paid time off, and other perks. A $90K offer with great benefits can easily beat a $100K offer with bare-minimum perks.
Benefits Valuation Guide
| Benefit | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| 401(k) Match (6% of salary) | $4,000-$9,000/yr |
| Health Insurance (employer share) | $6,000-$16,000/yr |
| PTO (20 days vs 10 days) | $3,000-$8,000 value |
| RSUs / Stock Options | $0-$100,000+/yr (tech) |
| Signing Bonus | Divide by expected tenure |
Hidden Costs to Consider
Don't forget commute costs ($3,000-$10,000/year difference between remote and office), parking, professional wardrobe, meals, and childcare timing. A job 45 minutes away costs you 375 hours/year in commute time — what's that worth to you?
BLS — Employer Costs for Employee Compensation→Frequently Asked Questions
How do I value stock options or RSUs?
For public companies, RSUs have a clear market value. Use the current stock price times shares granted, divided by the vesting period (usually 4 years). For private company options, apply a significant discount (50-80%) due to illiquidity and uncertainty.
Should I negotiate the first offer?
Almost always. Research shows that 85% of people who negotiate receive some improvement. Negotiate base salary, signing bonus, equity, start date, or remote work flexibility. The worst they can say is no — very few companies rescind offers for politely negotiating.
How do I factor in cost-of-living differences?
If two offers are in different cities, adjust salaries for local costs. A $120K offer in Austin may provide a higher standard of living than $150K in San Francisco, where rent alone can consume an extra $1,500-$2,000/month. Use a cost-of-living index to normalize salaries before comparing total compensation packages.
How important is the 401(k) match?
A 401(k) match is essentially free money. A 6% match on a $100K salary adds $6,000/year, which compounds tax-free. Over a 30-year career at 7% returns, that match alone could grow to over $600,000. Always contribute enough to get the full match before considering other benefits.
Also use: Cost of Living Calculator and Salary Comparison Calculator.