Compare Job Offers 2026

Side-by-side after-tax comparison with salary, bonus, equity, cost of living, and $/hr.

Filing status

Cash compensation

$
$
$
$

Equity

Company A equity

Equity type
$
$
$

Company B equity

Equity type
$
$
$

Based on 2026 tax rates. Does not account for benefits, 401(k) match, PTO, or local taxes.

How it works

Cash compensation (salary + bonus + signing bonus) is taxed using the same engine as our Paycheck Estimator: 2026 federal brackets, state income tax for all 50 states + DC, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above threshold).

Equity income is taxed using the incremental method: we compute total tax on cash + equity, then subtract tax on cash alone. The difference is the marginal tax on your equity, which properly accounts for bracket progression. This is the same approach used in our RSU Tax Calculator.

For RSUs, annual vest value is the total grant divided by vesting years, compounded by the growth rate you specify. For stock options, vest value is max(0, estimated FMV − strike price) × shares ÷ vesting years. Options that are underwater (strike > FMV) contribute $0.

Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). When two offers are in different states, we normalize each offer's after-tax income to the other state's purchasing power so you can compare fairly.

FAQ

What is the difference between RSUs and stock options?

RSUs are shares granted at no cost that vest over time — their value equals the share price at vesting. Stock options give you the right to buy shares at a fixed strike price, and are only valuable if the share price exceeds the strike. RSUs are common at public companies; options are typical at startups.

What growth rate should I use for RSUs?

Use 0% for a conservative estimate, 5-8% for a moderate projection reflecting long-term stock market averages. Avoid projecting above 10-15% unless you have strong conviction.

How does cost of living affect which offer is better?

A higher salary in an expensive city may buy less than a lower salary in a cheaper area. We use BEA Regional Price Parities to adjust each offer to the other location's purchasing power.

Why does $/hr matter when comparing offers?

Two offers with similar total comp can differ significantly per hour if one expects 50 hours/week vs 40. The $/hr metric reveals which offer values your time more.

What risks does this calculator not capture?

Company stability, equity liquidity (private stock may be hard to sell), vesting cliffs, bonus variability, benefits differences (health insurance, 401k match, PTO), career growth, and remote work flexibility.

How does an 83(b) election change the tax calculation?

With an 83(b) election, you pay ordinary income tax upfront on the full grant spread (FMV minus strike for all shares) in year 1. Future appreciation is taxed as long-term capital gains (0-20%) instead of ordinary income (up to 37%). Enable "Early exercise 83(b)" on an options offer to see the impact. Best when you expect significant stock appreciation and can afford the upfront tax.

How does liquidity affect which offer is better?

Options at private companies are illiquid until a liquidity event (IPO, acquisition, or secondary sale). Set "Expected liquidity (years)" per offer to model different timelines. During the illiquid period, cash comp invested at market rates compounds, giving liquid compensation a time-value advantage over illiquid equity.

What is market CAGR and how does it affect the comparison?

Market CAGR is the return you'd earn investing after-tax cash in the stock market. The default 7% reflects historical S&P 500 real returns. Liquid cash earned today compounds over time, so $10k more annual cash invested at 7% for 10 years generates ~$140k — making the time value of liquid comp significant against illiquid equity.

Related tools

Estimates based on 2026 tax rates. Does not include benefits, local taxes, or AMT. Consult a financial advisor for major career decisions.