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5.6Evaluating the Total Package
Salary is the most visible number, but it is not always the most important one. Use this framework to compare offers holistically.
Offer Comparison Template
| Component | Offer A | Offer B | Weight (Your Priority) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $150,000 | $140,000 | High |
| Annual bonus (target) | 10% ($15,000) | 15% ($21,000) | Medium |
| Sign-on bonus | $0 | $20,000 | Low (one-time) |
| Equity (annual value) | $30,000 | $50,000 | High |
| Health insurance (your cost) | $200/month | $0/month | Medium |
| 401k match | 4% ($6,000) | 6% ($8,400) | Medium |
| PTO | 15 days | Unlimited | Low-Medium |
| Remote work | Hybrid (3 days office) | Full remote | High (personal) |
| Title | Senior QA Engineer | Staff QA Engineer | Medium |
| Learning budget | $1,000/year | $5,000/year | Low |
| Total Year 1 | $201,000 | $239,400 |
In this example, Offer B is $38,400 more valuable in Year 1 despite having a lower base salary. The equity, sign-on bonus, and benefits make the difference.