How to Compare Two Job Offers Beyond the Base Salary

Written by a former HR manager

Two offers at the same salary can be $15,000 apart in real value. Here's the checklist I wish every candidate used.

Money you can count on

• Base salary — the only guaranteed number.
• Retirement match — a 6% match on $90k is $5,400 a year. Check the vesting schedule: some matches vest over 3–6 years.
• Sign-on bonus — usually must be repaid if you leave within 12 months.

Money that might happen

• Bonus — ask: "What percentage of target was paid out in each of the last two years?"
• Equity — divide the grant by vesting years for a yearly value. For private companies, treat options as a lottery ticket until there's a liquidity path.

Costs hidden in the offer

• Health premiums and deductibles — can differ by several thousand dollars per year for a family.
• Commute — both money and hours. Five extra hours a week is 250 hours a year.

Time

Count PTO plus paid holidays. 15 vs 25 days is two weeks of your year.

Things that don't show up in numbers

• Your future manager (the #1 reason people leave)
• Growth path and promotion timing
• Stability of the team and company
• Remote/hybrid policy, and whether it's in writing