Why base salary is the wrong comparison
Two offers with the same salary can differ by thousands once you add employer 401(k) match, bonus, health premiums, paid leave and the unpaid hours you spend commuting. This tool converts everything into one number: value per hour of your life committed to the job.
What we count
- Total value = base + bonus + employer match − your health premiums − commute costs.
- Real hours = scheduled hours − paid leave + commute time (48 working weeks).
- True hourly value = total value ÷ real hours.
Things to price in yourself
Equity, remote flexibility, career trajectory and team quality. A higher-hourly offer is not automatically better — but you should know exactly what the trade costs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I value a 401(k) match?
A 4% match on $55,300 is $2,212 a year of free money — as valuable as a 4% raise, and often tax-deferred.
Should I count commute time?
Yes. Eight hours a week of commuting is about 384 unpaid hours a year — roughly ten 40-hour weeks.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026 by the 55300 editorial team. Read our methodology & sources.