Salary Negotiation Calculator
See the true lifetime cost of accepting a lower salary. Compare offers with total compensation, compound growth over decades, and cost-of-living adjustments across 23 US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the lifetime impact calculated?
The calculator compounds the salary gap over time using your expected annual raise percentage. A $10K gap with 3% annual raises becomes over $268K in cumulative lost earnings over 20 years because every future raise is based on a lower starting point.
How does the cost of living comparison work?
The calculator uses cost-of-living indices for 23 US cities relative to the national average (100). It shows what salary you'd need in one city to have the same purchasing power as your salary in another.
What is included in total compensation?
Total compensation adds your base salary, annual bonus, equity/RSU value, and benefits value. This gives a more complete picture when comparing offers that may have different compensation structures.
Should I always negotiate my salary?
Research shows that candidates who negotiate earn significantly more over their careers. Even a modest increase compounds dramatically. Use this calculator to see the specific dollar impact for your situation.
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