Salary vs Total Compensation Calculator 2026 – True Offer Value
Compare base salary to total compensation in 2026. Add bonus, equity, benefits, and perks to find the true value of competing offers.
Salary vs Total Compensation Calculator 2026 – True Offer Value
Introduction
Two similar base salaries can hide very different total compensation. This guide tallies bonus, equity, benefits, perks, and taxes to compare true offer value in 2026.
Inputs
- Base salary and bonus targets
- Equity grant (type, vesting, valuation)
- Benefits value (health, retirement match, PTO)
Output
- Annualized total comp number per offer
- After‑tax view for comparable frequencies
Tips
- Discount equity for risk and vesting cliffs
- Include 401(k) match and HSA contributions
- Consider remote perks and flexibility value
Related Tools
- Take‑Home Pay Calculator 2026: /calculator
- Pay Frequency Converter 2026: /calculator
- Salary Negotiation Target 2026: /calculator
CTA: Compare Offers Fairly
Enter both offers to see the true total compensation and make a confident choice.
What Is Total Compensation? (Deep Dive)
Beyond base salary, total comp includes: annual/target bonus, equity (RSUs/PSUs/options), benefits (health/dental/vision), retirement match, paid time off, stipends (home office/commute), and unique perks. Some items are pre‑tax (valuable for take‑home), while equity is deferred and risky.
Normalizing Offers Step‑by‑Step
- Annualize base salary and target bonus
- Equity: convert to annualized expected value (grant value × discount for risk/vesting ÷ vest years)
- Benefits: add employer health subsidy, 401(k) match, HSA contributions
- PTO: add value of paid days (base/working days × paid days)
- Special perks: tuition, relocation, childcare, commuter, wellness
- Subtract expected out‑of‑pocket premiums to compare net benefits
Examples (Illustrative)
Offer A (High Base, Low Equity)
- Base $160k, 10% bonus, equity $20k/yr EV, rich benefits
- Total comp ≈ base + bonus EV + equity EV + benefits value + PTO value
Offer B (Lower Base, High Equity)
- Base $145k, 15% bonus, equity $40k/yr EV but 4‑year vest with cliff
- Discount equity for risk and lack of liquidity; scenario test bear vs bull
Equity Valuation Notes
- RSUs: taxed as ordinary income at vest; check withholding adequacy
- Options: value depends on strike vs FMV and expiry; Black‑Scholes style estimates are rough—apply a practical haircut
- PSUs: performance and market risk; apply heavier discounts unless targets are historically reliable
Optimization Playbook
- Negotiate sign‑on bonuses to bridge gaps or offset lost unvested equity
- Ask for equity refresh cadence; value compounds over time
- Consider remote differential and COLA if moving
- Evaluate promotion velocity and internal range headroom
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Taking grant value at face value; haircut for risk, cliff, and dilution
- Ignoring taxes and sell‑to‑cover at vest
- Overlooking 401(k) match differences and health plan tiers
- Comparing monthly premiums without considering deductibles/OOP max
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I compare RSUs vs options?
A: RSUs are simpler and less risky; options can be worth more but carry strike/expiry risk. Apply a discount and scenario test.
Q: What if the role has more PTO?
A: Convert paid days to dollar value; more PTO raises effective hourly rate.
Q: Should I pick higher base or higher bonus?
A: Base is guaranteed; bonus depends on company/individual performance. Blend with equity to fit risk tolerance.
Checklist (Copy/Paste)
- Annualize base/bonus
- Discount equity to annual expected value
- Add benefits, match, HSA contributions
- Add PTO value and unique perks
- Compare after tax where possible; pick offer aligned to risk and growth
Key Takeaways
- Research market salary data before entering any negotiation
- Factor in total compensation including benefits, not just base salary
- Track your income growth over time to ensure it keeps pace with inflation
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your financial details in the fields above
- Adjust parameters to match your specific situation
- Review the calculated results and projections
- Compare different scenarios to find the optimal strategy
Tips for Better Results
- Use realistic estimates based on current market conditions
- Update your calculations regularly as your situation changes
- Consider consulting a financial advisor for complex decisions
- Remember that calculator results are estimates, not guarantees