Salary vs Benefits Calculator
Higher Salary or Better Benefits?
Compare an offer with more salary against one with stronger benefits, and see the estimated total annual compensation for each.
Free · No signup · Private · Instant results
Estimated total annual compensation
Estimates are based on the information you provide and are intended for comparison purposes only. Results do not include income taxes and do not guarantee actual compensation. This tool is not financial advice.
How it works
- 1
Enter both offers
Salary, bonus, 401(k) match, health premium, PTO, and other benefits for each.
- 2
Set your schedule
Working days per week and weeks per year, used for the PTO comparison.
- 3
Compare total comp
See estimated total annual compensation for each offer and the difference.
Turning benefits into a dollar figure
To compare a higher-salary offer with a better-benefits offer, convert everything to annual dollars: bonus as cash, the 401(k) match as a percentage of salary, health premiums as a yearly cost you subtract, and other perks at their cash value.
The result is an estimated total annual compensation figure for each offer. PTO is shown separately because its value is a comparison aid rather than spendable income.
When benefits win
A larger 401(k) match, a much cheaper health plan, and meaningful stipends can easily add up to more than a $5,000–$10,000 salary difference — and some of that value (the match, HSA contributions) is tax-advantaged on top.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take the higher salary or the better benefits?
Convert both offers to total annual compensation — salary, bonus, match, and perks, minus health costs — and compare. This tool does the conversion and shows which offer is worth more and by how much.
How do I value a 401(k) match?
Multiply the match percentage by the salary. A 6% match on $90,000 is $5,400 a year of employer money.
Why is PTO shown separately?
Because it isn't cash. We show the day difference and let you weigh it, rather than baking a guessed dollar value into the headline total.
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