How to Compare Job Offers
When comparing job offers, look beyond the base salary. Total compensation includes bonuses, 401(k) match, health insurance costs, commute expenses, PTO value, and other benefits. This calculator helps you quantify each component so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I value PTO days?â–¾
Each PTO day is worth your daily rate: annual salary divided by 260 working days. For a $85,000 salary, each PTO day is worth about $327. Five extra PTO days between offers represents about $1,635 in value. Some people value time off even more highly depending on personal priorities.
How important is 401(k) matching?â–¾
A 401(k) match is essentially free money. A 4% match on an $85,000 salary adds $3,400/year to your compensation. Over a 30-year career with market returns, that match alone could grow to over $500,000. Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match.
Should I negotiate based on total compensation?â–¾
Absolutely. If one offer has a lower salary but better benefits, you can use this analysis to negotiate. Show the other company the total compensation gap and ask them to close it, whether through salary, signing bonus, additional PTO, or other benefits.
What about stock options or equity?â–¾
Include the annual value of stock grants or options in the "Other Benefits" field. For public companies, use the current share price times the number of shares vesting per year. For startups, equity is harder to value since the outcome is uncertain. A common approach is to value startup equity at 10-30% of its paper value.
Calclypso Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified financial professionals. Last updated: April 2026.