Job Offer Comparison Calculator
Compare two job offers by real after-tax take-home pay.
About this calculator
A higher salary does not always mean more money in your pocket. Move an offer from a no-income-tax state like Texas to a high-tax state like California and a chunk of the raise disappears into state withholding. The only fair way to compare two offers is by take-home pay — what actually lands in your account after every tax comes out.
This calculator puts two offers head to head. Enter each salary and state, and it runs both through the same federal, Social Security, Medicare and state tax model, then shows the annual and monthly take-home for each plus the effective tax rate. Often the result is counter-intuitive: a lower gross offer in a tax-friendly state can beat a higher gross offer in a high-tax one.
Take-home is the biggest single factor but not the only one. Cost of living, health benefits, 401(k) match, equity, bonus structure and commute all matter, and city-level income taxes (like New York City) aren't included here. Use the after-tax gap as your anchor, then weigh the softer factors on top.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two job offers in different states?
Compare them by take-home pay, not gross salary. Run each salary through federal, Social Security, Medicare and state tax for its state — a lower gross offer in a no-tax state can net more than a higher gross offer in a high-tax state.
Does this include cost of living?
No. This tool compares after-tax take-home pay only. Cost of living, benefits, 401(k) match and equity are important separate factors you should weigh alongside the take-home difference.
Are city or local taxes included?
No. The comparison uses federal and state income tax plus FICA. Local taxes such as New York City or some Ohio municipalities are not modeled and would reduce take-home further in those locations.
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⚠️ Estimates compare after-tax pay for a single filer and are for general guidance only — not tax or career advice. Local taxes, benefits and cost of living are not included. Verify with the employer and a professional.