How to Evaluate a Job Offer (Beyond the Salary)

The salary number is the easiest part of an offer to compare — and the most misleading. Two offers with the same headline can be worth thousands of dollars apart once you account for tax, benefits and where you’ll live. Here’s a framework for judging the whole package.

1. Start with take-home, not gross

A $110,000 offer in California can leave you with less than a $100,000 offer in Texas, because of state income tax. Always convert offers to after-tax pay for your state — see take-home by state.

2. Add the benefits that have real value

• 401(k) match — 3–6% of salary in free money.
• Health insurance — a strong plan can be worth thousands pre-tax.
• Bonus & equity — but discount them for risk and tax; see how bonuses are taxed.
• PTO, remote flexibility, pension/RRSP/super — all real comp.

3. Weight base salary over variable pay

Base salary is guaranteed, compounds future raises, and isn’t subject to the flat supplemental withholding that makes bonuses feel small. Where you can, push the negotiation toward base — more in how to negotiate salary after tax.

4. Factor in cost of living

A higher salary in an expensive metro can leave you worse off than a lower one somewhere cheaper. Take-home is step one; rent and lifestyle are step two.

Run the comparison

Put both offers through the comparison calculator with your state, 401(k) and benefits to see which one actually leaves you with more.