How the job offer calculator works
Total compensation adds every part of an offer that has money value in a typical year.
For equity, divide the grant value by the vesting years (a $80,000 grant over four years is $20,000 a year). Private-company stock options are much less certain than public RSUs, so many people discount them heavily. Benefits value is what you would otherwise pay for similar health, dental and life coverage; employer health premiums for family coverage averaged over $19,000 a year in recent KFF surveys. Paid time off, commute and remote work are not priced in but matter.
Worked example
An offer of $120,000 base with a 10% target bonus, $20,000 a year of vesting equity, a 4% 401(k) match and benefits worth $12,000 totals $168,800: $132,000 in cash plus $36,800 in other value. If your current package is $150,000, the offer is about $18,800, or 12.5%, better.
Frequently asked questions
What is total compensation?
Everything of value you receive from an employer in a year: salary, bonuses, equity, retirement contributions and benefits.
How should I value stock options?
For public companies, use the current share price. For startups, many people value options at a fraction of their paper value or zero until there is a liquidity event.
Is a signing bonus part of total comp?
It is a one-time payment. Spread it over the years you expect to stay, or compare it separately.
How do I value benefits?
Estimate what you would pay for equivalent coverage yourself, minus what you contribute from your paycheck.
Updated October 2026. Results are estimates for education, not financial or medical advice. All math runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.