Job Offer Comparator
Got two offers on the table? Plug in each rate — hourly or salary — pick the state, and see which one actually puts more money in your pocket after taxes.
Filing Status
Pay Frequency
Offer A
Offer B
Estimates only. Not tax or legal advice. Consult a tax professional for accuracy.
Keep This Calculation Handy
Save your rate, track overtime, and see how raises affect your take-home pay
How to Compare Job Offers Beyond Salary
A bigger number on paper doesn't always mean a bigger paycheck. Here's what actually drives the difference between two offers:
The same gross pay doesn't mean the same paycheck
Two offers that look identical on paper can pay differently because of state taxes. Someone earning $60,000 in California takes home less than someone earning $60,000 in Texas, because California's top marginal rate exceeds 13% while Texas has no state income tax.
Federal taxes are progressive, not flat
The U.S. tax system uses brackets. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate, so a higher salary doesn't mean every dollar is taxed more. This calculator applies 2026 brackets to both offers so the comparison is apples-to-apples.
FICA hits the same regardless of state
Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000 for single filers) are federal. They don't change between offers unless the gross pay differs. Where the difference shows up is state income tax.
What this calculator doesn't cover
Benefits, 401(k) match, health insurance premiums, commute costs, and cost of living all affect the real value of an offer. Use the take-home comparison here as one data point, then factor in the rest. For a deeper breakdown of a single paycheck, try the Hourly Paycheck Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing job offers
How does this calculator compare two job offers?
You enter a rate (hourly or annual salary), filing status, pay frequency, and state for each offer. The calculator computes federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare for both, then shows take-home pay side by side with the dollar difference.
Can I compare an hourly job to a salaried one?
Yes. Each offer has its own Hourly/Salary toggle. The calculator converts hourly rates to annual gross (rate × 40 hours × 52 weeks) and uses salary figures directly, so you can mix and match.
Which taxes are included in the comparison?
Federal income tax (2026 brackets), state income tax for all 50 states plus D.C., Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base), and Medicare (1.45%, plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax for high earners). Local taxes and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) are not included.
Why does the same salary pay differently in two states?
State income tax rates vary. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) have no state income tax. Others range from a flat ~3% to progressive scales above 13%.
Does filing status affect the comparison?
Yes. Filing status changes your federal tax brackets and standard deduction. Married Filing Jointly has wider brackets than Single, which usually means lower federal tax on the same income.
What factors beyond take-home pay should I consider?
Health insurance premiums, retirement match (401(k)/403(b)), PTO, equity or bonuses, commute costs, and cost of living. This calculator focuses on tax-adjusted take-home pay — one piece of the full picture.
Need More Than a Quick Calculation?
The full app tracks your full paycheck all year — overtime, bonuses, deductions, and 50-state taxes built in.