Stop Comparing Salaries: 5 Better Ways to Weigh Job Offers

At first glance, taking the highest paying job seems like a no-brainer. But when you consider everything else that affects job satisfaction, starting salary is only part of the equation—and not always the most important.

How do you compare the ins and outs of all the offers without giving yourself a migraine? Here are 5 important things to consider as you sift through your job opportunities:

1. Start with a system

As you weigh the pros and cons of each job, you’ll need to research each company and organize a dizzying number of details about compensation structure, benefits packages, workplace policies, and more. As you gather information and follow up on meetings or conversations, it’s essential to organize and track everything in one place. This is not the time for plastering your desk with sticky notes or scrawling barely legible thoughts on the back of your electric bill. Use a list-making app to collect, organize, and prioritize all the information you’re gathering—in a place you can access whether you’re at your desk or in line at the coffee shop.

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2. Consider salary over the longer term

Salary is important, but you’ll also want to look at salary increases over time—especially if starting salaries are similar for both jobs. Can each company clearly articulate the requirements with a typical timeline for raises and promotions? A company that offers a clear path to advancement in a reasonable timeframe shows that they’re committed to employee growth. Your income is likely to steadily rise over time.

3. Decide which benefits mean most to you

Benefits packages can include everything from extended maternity leave to college tuition assistance, 401K matching, transportation stipends, and generous vacation or work-from-home policies. Some of those benefits may be enticing while others don’t even apply to you. Maybe you don’t need on-site childcare but you’re excited about a flexible schedule that allows you to play in your recreational soccer league. As you compare benefits packages, give extra consideration to the ones you’d use the most and how they support the things you already value.

4. Evaluate the working environment

With so many interviews happening remotely, you may be asked to decide on an offer without ever seeing your future workplace. That means you’re missing the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the office setup and get a feel for the overall environment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the office arrangement and the team’s working style. Is it a bustling open office floor plan (an introvert’s worst nightmare) or would you have a private workspace? Does the environment usually feel energetic and social—or quiet and focused? If you’re clear on what you need to produce your best work, you’ll quickly get a sense of whether the environment is a good fit for you.

5. Don’t just choose the job, choose the manager

You’ve probably heard the saying, “People quit managers, not jobs.” In fact, a recent survey found 84 percent of American workers say bad managers create a lot of stress, not to mention unnecessary work. The right manager will be invested in both your current job satisfaction and your future career growth. They’ll help you find opportunities to gain new skills and provide mentorship along the way. Be on the lookout for leadership qualities like honesty, empathy, and decisiveness. When evaluating job offers, think about which manager seems most likely to help you succeed and grow.

When you’re weighing job offers, it’s worth taking the time to dig deeper and evaluate the less obvious—but equally valuable—aspects of each job opportunity. Do your research, consider what’s most important to you, and trust your gut. There’s no way to be certain where each road leads, but you’ve made a thoughtful decision and taken a big step forward. That’s definitely something to celebrate!