Your offer is more than the monthly number. Here is how to see the full picture.
Three real-world scenarios showing why total comp matters more than base salary.
$274,640
Year 1 Total Compensation
$244,640
$22,887
$270,650
Year 1 Total Compensation
$210,650
$22,554
$171,300
Year 1 Total Compensation
$171,300
$14,275
Key Insight: The Growth Startup's base is $10,000 higher than Public Tech Co, but after sign-on, RSU backloading, full health coverage, and 401(k) match — Public Tech Co wins by Year 3. Base salary alone never tells the full story.
| Component | Growth Startup | Public Tech Co | Current Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $165,000 | $155,000 | $140,000 |
| Performance Bonus | $16,500 | $23,250 | $14,000 |
| Sign-On Bonus | $30,000 | $60,000 | — |
| RSU (Year 1) | $60,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| 401(k) Match | $3,300 | $9,300 | $2,100 |
| ESPP Benefit | — | $1,500 | — |
| Stipends & Perks | $2,000 | $8,000 | — |
| − Health Insurance | $-2,160 | — | $-3,000 |
| − Commute Cost | — | $-2,400 | $-1,800 |
| Year 1 Total | $274,640 | $270,650 | $171,300 |
Enter your real numbers and compare up to 3 offers side by side. Every field updates totals in real time.
See Year 1 total with sign-on, RSUs, benefits, and costs
4-year projection shows which offer wins long term
Start with base salary and bonus — these two rows alone show the cash compensation difference.
Expand Equity and Retirement if your offers include RSUs or 401(k) matching.
Fill in Benefits last. Health insurance cost and commute reduce your take-home.
Compare the Year 1 total first. Then check Year 2+ to see ongoing value.
Use Copy Summary to save your comparison or paste it into your counteroffer notes.