Offer Comparison Tool
Add up to 5 job offers and compare them side-by-side — base salary, equity, bonus, cost-of-living adjusted, 5-year projection, and more.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
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Total Comp Comparison
5-Year Projection?Assumes 4-year vest with 1-year cliff. Equity refreshes not included.
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Estimated Take-Home (Year 1)?2026 federal tax brackets estimate. State tax not included. Signing bonus counted as income.
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Perks & Benefits?Select benefits each offer includes. Estimated values added to total comp.
Offer Ranking by Total Comp
How to Compare Two Job Offers Beyond Base Salary
Base salary is only one piece of the puzzle when evaluating job offers. Total compensation includes equity (RSUs or stock options), annual bonuses, signing bonuses, retirement matching, health benefits, and perks like remote work stipends or tuition reimbursement. Two offers with the same base salary can differ by $50,000+ annually when all components are factored in.
Our comparison tool helps you see the full picture by normalizing each offer across these dimensions. You can add perks and benefits checkboxes to estimate total value, and the cost-of-living adjustment shows you what each offer is actually worth in your specific location.
Understanding Total Compensation: Base, Equity, Bonus, and Benefits
- Base Salary: The fixed annual amount you receive. This is your lowest-risk component and the foundation for future raises.
- Equity / RSUs: Stock grants that vest over time (typically 4 years with 1-year cliff). At public companies these have known value; at startups they are speculative.
- Annual Bonus: Performance-based or guaranteed. Target bonuses of 10–20% of base are common in tech and finance.
- Signing Bonus: One-time cash payment to accept the offer. Often the easiest component to negotiate upward.
- 401(k) Matching: Free money from your employer. A 5% match on a $150,000 salary adds $7,500/year to your total comp.
- Health & Wellness: Insurance premiums, gym memberships, mental health support — collectively worth $5,000–$20,000/year.
Cost of Living Adjustments: When Location Changes the Math
A $150,000 salary in San Francisco buys roughly the same lifestyle as $95,000 in Atlanta, after accounting for housing, taxes, transportation, and groceries. Our calculator uses metro-specific cost-of-living multipliers to normalize each offer so you can compare apples to apples regardless of location.
Remote roles add another layer of complexity. Some companies use location-based pay bands that adjust your salary based on where you live, while others pay a national rate. When comparing remote offers, always check whether the employer adjusts for geographic cost differences and factor that into your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate equity at a startup?
Yes. Startup equity is often more negotiable than base salary because cash is scarce and founders expect candidates to ask. You can negotiate for a larger grant, accelerated vesting, or extended exercise windows.
Should I accept a lower base for more equity?
It depends on risk tolerance and the company stage. For public companies with liquid RSUs, equity is essentially cash. For early-stage startups, treat equity as a bonus — never take less base than you need to cover living expenses.
How do I account for remote salary differences?
Use the cost-of-living adjustment in this tool. Select your current location for one offer and the employer's location for another to see the real purchasing power difference.