Job Offer Total Compensation
Compare job offers by total compensation including equity and benefits. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Startup vs Big Tech Comparison
Problem:Offer 1 (Big Tech): $180K base, 15% bonus, $200K RSUs over 4 years, $20K benefits. Offer 2 (Startup): $150K base, 10% bonus, $400K options over 4 years (pre-IPO), $12K benefits. 25% tax rate, 15% expected equity growth.
Solution:Offer 1 Annual: $180K + $27K bonus + $57.5K equity + $20K benefits = $284.5K\nOffer 2 Annual: $150K + $15K bonus + $115K equity + $12K benefits = $292K\n\nHowever, startup equity is illiquid. Apply 50% discount:\nOffer 2 Adjusted: $150K + $15K + $57.5K + $12K = $234.5K\n\nRisk-adjusted, Offer 1 is $50K higher. Startup makes sense only if you believe in high exit outcome.
Result:Offer 1 (Big Tech): $284.5K | Offer 2 Risk-Adjusted: $234.5K | Big Tech wins on certainty
Example 2: Remote vs Office with Higher Base
Problem:Offer 1 (Remote): $140K base, 10% bonus, no equity, $15K benefits, 0 commute. Offer 2 (Office): $160K base, 15% bonus, $30K RSUs/4yr, $18K benefits, 45-min commute. Value commute at $0.50/min.
Solution:Offer 1: $140K + $14K + $0 + $15K = $169K total\nCommute cost: $0\nNet: $169K\n\nOffer 2: $160K + $24K + $8.25K + $18K = $210.25K total\nCommute cost: 45min × 2 × 250 days × $0.50 = $11,250\nNet: $199K\n\nOffer 2 is $30K higher in raw comp but only $19K after commute adjustment. Consider: is $19K worth 375 hours of commuting annually?
Result:Offer 1 Net: $169K (0 commute hours) | Offer 2 Net: $199K (375 commute hours) | $51/hour effective commute rate
Example 3: Same Base, Different Structure
Problem:Both offers: $130K base. Offer 1: 20% bonus, $60K equity/4yr, $14K benefits. Offer 2: 10% bonus, $120K equity/4yr, $16K benefits. Which is better for different risk profiles?
Solution:Offer 1: $130K + $26K + $16.5K equity + $14K = $186.5K\nOffer 2: $130K + $13K + $33K equity + $16K = $192K\n\nOffer 2 is $5.5K higher but more equity-weighted.\n\nCash certainty: Offer 1 has $156K cash vs $143K\nEquity upside: Offer 2 has 2x equity exposure\n\nFor risk-averse: Offer 1's higher guaranteed cash is preferable.\nFor risk-tolerant: Offer 2's equity upside could be worth $50K+ if company does well.
Result:Risk-averse choice: Offer 1 ($156K cash) | Risk-tolerant choice: Offer 2 ($33K equity/yr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is total compensation and why does it matter?
Total compensation includes all forms of pay: base salary, bonuses, equity/stock, benefits (health insurance, 401k match, etc.), and perks. Comparing only base salary can be misleading—a $120K base with no equity may be worth less than $100K base with $50K annual equity. Understanding total comp ensures you're comparing apples to apples and making informed career decisions.
What tax considerations affect offer comparison?
Key tax factors: state income tax rates, equity tax treatment (ISOs vs NSOs, RSU timing), 401k/HSA pre-tax benefits, and commuter benefits. Some states have no income tax (TX, WA, FL), which can add 5-10% to take-home pay. Consult a tax advisor for equity-heavy offers.