Job Offer Comparison
Compare total compensation including benefits, equity, and cost of living
Best Overall (COL-Adjusted)
Offer B
$144,821 effective total comp
Total Compensation Breakdown
| Component | Offer A | Offer BBEST |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, CA | Austin, TX |
| COL Index | 179 | 112 |
| Base Salary | $160,000 | $130,000 |
| Annual Bonus | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Annual Equity | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| 401k Match | $6,400 | $5,200 |
| Health Benefit | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| Total Comp | $208,400 | $162,200 |
| Tax Rate | 31.82% | 22.98% |
| Take Home (salary) | $109,093 | $100,121 |
| COL-Adjusted Comp | $116,425 | $144,821 +$28,396 |
Compensation Breakdown
Time Off Comparison
Offer A
3 wks
Worth ~$9,231
Offer B
3 wks
Worth ~$7,500
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What is Total Compensation?
Total compensation, or **"Total Comp,"** represents the full monetary value of an employment package. While the base salary is the most visible number, it often represents only 60-80% of the actual value provided. To truly compare two job offers, you must quantify every component, including **variable bonuses, equity grants, retirement matching, and insurance benefits.**
Furthermore, the "real" value of your compensation is dictated by your location. A $200,000 package in Manhattan buys a significantly different lifestyle than the same package in Charlotte or Phoenix due to taxes and housing costs.
Evaluating a Job Offer: 4 Key Pillars
When comparing multiple offers, break them down into these categories to see the true winner:
- 1Guaranteed Cash (Base + Bonus)Base salary is your guaranteed income. Annual bonuses are typically target-based; look at the company's historical payout percentage to be realistic.
- 2Equity (RSUs or Stock Options)Value equity by its annual vesting amount. For RSUs, use the current stock price. For options, calculate the "spread" (Market Price - Strike Price) and apply a risk discount.
- 3Retirement & Insurance BenefitsA 5% 401(k) match on a $150k salary is worth $7,500/year in "free money." Likewise, a low-premium PPO plan can save you $300-$500/month over a high-deductible plan.
- 4Location Adjustment (Taxes & COL)This is the equalizer. Subtract estimated state taxes and housing costs from your total comp to find your "Discretionary Net" income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is total compensation (Total Comp)?
Total compensation is the complete value of an employment offer, including base salary, annual bonuses, equity (RSUs or options), 401(k) matching, health insurance premiums paid by the employer, and other perks like PTO or education stipends.
How do I compare job offers in different cities?
To compare offers in different cities, you must adjust the total compensation for cost of living (COL) and state income taxes. A $150,000 offer in Seattle (no state tax, high COL) might be financially equivalent to a $120,000 offer in a mid-sized city with lower housing costs.
How should I value equity in a job offer?
Equity should be valued based on the type (RSUs vs. Options) and the company stage. For public companies, use the current market price minus a "risk buffer." For private startups, consider the last valuation (409A) but remember that private equity is illiquid and carries higher risk.
Negotiation Facts
Avg. Bonus Target
10-15% (Professional Roles)
401(k) Match Avg.
4% of Salary
Relocation Stipend
$5K - $15K