Free · 2026

Total Compensation Calculator

Find out what your job is truly worth — salary, benefits, and the freelance rate needed to match your full package.

Quick answer

Your true (total) compensation = base salary + employer-paid benefits (health insurance premiums, 401(k) match, bonuses, the dollar value of PTO, and stock/equity) + perks. It's the full value of your package, not just the cash on your offer letter.

Employer-paid benefits typically add 20–40% on top of base salary. For example, an $80,000 base salary with about $24,000 in benefits comes to roughly $104,000 in total compensation.

Use total compensation to compare job offers accurately and to work out the freelance/contractor rate you'd need to charge to match your current package.

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Data sourced from official state labor department websites and the US Department of Labor (dol.gov). Last updated: June 2026. Calculator results are estimates for informational purposes only. For disputes involving unpaid wages or wrongful termination, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between base salary and total compensation?
Base salary is just your cash wages — the number on your offer letter. Total compensation includes everything your employer provides: base salary + annual bonus + employer 401(k) match + health/dental/vision insurance premiums paid by employer + life insurance + PTO value + equity/RSUs + other perks. A $90,000 base salary at a company with good benefits can easily equal $120,000–$130,000 in total compensation.
How much are employee benefits worth in dollars?
According to BLS data (2026), employer-provided benefits add an average of 29–32% on top of wages. For a $70,000 salary, that means roughly $20,000–$22,000 in benefit value annually. Health insurance alone is typically worth $6,000–$15,000/year depending on family size. A 401(k) match of 4% on a $70,000 salary = $2,800/year in free money.
How do I calculate the value of RSUs in my compensation?
RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) value = number of units × current stock price × your vesting percentage for the year. Example: 400 RSUs vesting over 4 years at $50/share = 100 units/year × $50 = $5,000/year in equity compensation (before taxes). RSUs are taxed as ordinary income when they vest — plan for 30–40% going to taxes in a typical tax bracket.
Should I compare job offers by salary or by total compensation?
Always compare by total compensation, not just salary. A $10,000 higher salary at one job can easily be offset by a worse 401(k) match, higher health insurance premiums you pay, or less PTO. Use our True Compensation Calculator to convert both offers into an accurate annual dollar comparison before deciding.

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