Compare Job Offers With Equity
Salary alone is misleading when comparing offers with equity. One offer might pay more in Year 1 but less over 4 years. Use this calculator to see the full picture.
How to Compare Offers
Use the calculator below to model each offer separately. Compare the 5-year totals to understand which offer is more valuable over time.
- Enter Offer A's details and note the 5-year cumulative total
- Clear the inputs and enter Offer B's details
- Compare the cumulative totals at different time horizons (1, 3, 5 years)
Total Compensation Calculator
Salary
RSUs
Year 1 Grant
Vesting Schedule (%)
Stock Options
Year 1 Total Compensation
Year 2 Total Compensation
Year 3 Total Compensation
Year 4 Total Compensation
Year 5 Total Compensation
What to Compare
Base Salary
The guaranteed cash you receive regardless of performance or stock price.
Target Bonus
Variable pay based on performance. Consider realistic achievement levels.
RSU Value
Total grant value and vesting schedule. Remember: stock price risk applies.
Time Horizon
How long do you plan to stay? Back-loaded vesting benefits long tenure.
Stock Price Risk
A startup's stock may 10x or go to zero. Big tech is more stable but less upside.
Refresher Grants
Some companies give annual refresher RSUs. Factor these into multi-year projections.
Example Comparison
Offer A: Big Tech
- Base: $180,000
- Bonus: $27,000 (15%)
- RSUs: $300,000 over 4 years
- Year 1 Total: ~$282,000
Offer B: Startup
- Base: $150,000
- Bonus: $0
- Options: 50,000 shares at $2 strike
- Year 1 Total: $150,000 (+ potential upside)
In this example, Offer A provides more guaranteed compensation. Offer B offers less guaranteed pay but significant upside if the company succeeds.