Total comp beats headline salary
Two offers with the same base can diverge by tens of thousands once bonus targets, equity vesting, benefits, and signing bonuses are included. Compare recurring annual value separately from year-one cash — signing is real money, but it is not salary forever.
Equity is the hardest line item. Use an annualized value you believe in, not the grant headline divided by four. If you would not buy the stock at that implied price, discount it in your comparison.
Benefits and 401(k) match matter when health premiums or parental leave differ. A lower base with richer benefits can win on take-home and flexibility — this calculator makes that trade visible before you reply.