Job Offer Comparison Calculator 2026
Compare two job offers side by side after federal tax, state tax, 401(k), and employer match. See which offer actually puts more money in your pocket.
Quick Answer
A $90,000 offer in California vs a $80,000 offer in Texas: after state taxes, the California offer nets roughly $5,000–$7,000 more per year — not $10,000 more. When you add a 3% employer match to the Texas offer, they may be nearly equivalent.
Job Offer Comparison Calculator by State
Comparing job offers by salary alone is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. The offer letter number is not what goes in your bank account — after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, 401(k) contributions, and health insurance, two similar-looking salaries can produce very different take-home amounts.
I've seen people take a higher-salary offer in a high-tax state only to discover they're taking home less than they would have at the lower-salary offer in a no-tax state. The $10,000 gross salary difference evaporated in state taxes. This calculator runs the full numbers so you can make the actual comparison.
$100,000 Salary: Take-Home by State
Single filer, no 401(k), standard deduction:
| State | State Tax | Annual Take-Home | vs Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $0 | $78,978 | — |
| Florida | $0 | $78,978 | — |
| Washington | $0 | $78,978 | — |
| Arizona | $2,500 | $76,478 | −$2,500 |
| Colorado | $4,400 | $74,578 | −$4,400 |
| New York | ~$6,600 | ~$72,378 | −$6,600 |
| California | ~$7,400 | ~$71,578 | −$7,400 |
| Oregon | ~$8,400 | ~$70,578 | −$8,400 |
State taxes are approximate. Use the calculator above for exact figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare two job offers with different salaries and states?
Enter both offers into the calculator above — including salary, state, 401(k) contribution, employer match, and health insurance premium. The calculator runs a full federal + state tax calculation for each offer independently and shows you the actual annual take-home for each. The winning offer is the one that puts more money in your pocket after all taxes and deductions.
Should I consider cost of living when comparing job offers?
Yes, especially for cross-city comparisons. A $90,000 salary in San Francisco buys far less than $75,000 in Raleigh, NC. While this calculator handles the tax side, you should also factor in housing costs, transportation, and local cost of living. A useful rule of thumb: if a new location's cost of living is 20% higher, you need roughly 20% more take-home pay just to maintain your current lifestyle.
How does a 401(k) match affect which offer is better?
A 401(k) match is part of your total compensation, not just a perk. A 3% match on a $75,000 salary is $2,250/year in free money. An offer with a $5,000 lower salary but a 4% match might actually pay you more in total compensation than a higher-salary offer with no match. The calculator adds employer match to your take-home comparison so you see the full picture.
What is a signing bonus worth after taxes?
Signing bonuses are taxed at your marginal rate, usually around 22–32% federally plus state taxes. A $10,000 signing bonus might net you $6,500–$7,000 after taxes. However, signing bonuses are often one-time events, and many come with clawback provisions if you leave within 12–24 months. Weight them accordingly — don't let a signing bonus mask a lower base salary.
How much does state income tax affect my take-home pay?
Significantly. On a $100,000 salary, moving from Texas (no state tax) to California can cost $8,000–$10,000 in annual take-home pay. That's like taking a $10,000 pay cut just by changing states. High-income earners in states like California (up to 13.3%) or New York (up to 10.9%) face the steepest difference. This is why the same job in two different states can have very different real compensation.