How to compare two job offers (it is not just the salary)
The bigger salary does not always mean more money in your pocket. Here is how to compare job offers properly — take-home pay, super, and the things that do not show on the offer letter.
When you have a job offer on the table — or two — the salary is the number everyone fixates on. But the biggest salary does not always mean the most money in your pocket, and it says nothing about super, HECS, or the parts of a package that never make the offer letter. Here is how to compare offers properly.
Compare take-home, not gross salary
Australia's income tax is marginal, so a higher salary is taxed at higher rates on its top slice. Two offers $10,000 apart on paper can be much closer once income tax and the 2% Medicare levy come out. Always compare net take-home pay, not the headline figure.
Super is real money too
Super is paid on top of your salary — 12% for 2026-27 — but offers can differ. A role paying slightly less salary but more super might build more wealth over time. Look at the total package (salary plus super), not just the cash in hand.
Do not forget HECS
If you have a study debt, a higher salary means a higher compulsory HECS repayment, which comes out of your take-home. That can narrow the gap between two offers — worth modelling before you decide.
Packaging, bonuses and the rest
Salary sacrifice, a novated lease, bonuses and allowances all change the real value of an offer. So do the things with no dollar figure: working from home, extra leave, progression and culture. A calculator handles the money; only you can weigh the rest.
Worked example
Sarah is choosing between Offer A ($100,000 salary + 12% super) and Offer B ($110,000 salary + 11% super). Offer B's higher salary wins on take-home pay. But once super is counted the gap narrows — and if Sarah valued a shorter commute or more leave from Offer A, that near-tie on money might let the non-money factors decide.
Compare your offers side by side
Put two or three offers head-to-head on real 2026-27 take-home, super and total package.
This is general information, not personal advice. Your circumstances affect the numbers. See also our guide to what you keep from a pay rise.
Frequently asked questions
Is the highest-salary offer always the best?
No. A higher salary is taxed at higher marginal rates, and offers can differ on super, HECS and packaging. Compare net take-home and total package, not just the gross salary.
Should I count super when comparing offers?
Yes. Super is paid on top of your salary and offers can differ. A slightly lower salary with more super can build more long-term wealth, so weigh the total package.
Does HECS change which offer is better?
It can. A higher salary means a higher compulsory HECS repayment, which reduces take-home — sometimes enough to narrow the gap between two offers.
What non-money factors should I weigh?
Working from home, leave, hours, progression, job security and culture all matter and have no dollar figure. Use a calculator for the money, then weigh these yourself.