Two offers rarely look alike. One is a salary with a bonus, the other is hourly with overtime and a sign-on. Put both side by side below and see which one is worth more in year 1, every year after, and per hour you actually work.
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How the comparison works
- Base pay: your salary, or hourly rate × hours × 52 weeks.
- Overtime: hourly roles only, at 1.5x. Salaried roles are treated as exempt.
- Bonus and 401(k) match: added every year.
- Sign-on and relocation: added to year 1 only.
- Health premium: what you pay each month is subtracted.
- Per hour worked: yearly value divided by the hours you actually work after paid time off. This shows whether a bigger number just means longer weeks.
Example: salary vs hourly with overtime
| Offer A | Offer B | |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | $80,000 salary, 45 hrs/week | $34/hour, 40 hrs + 10 OT |
| Bonus, sign-on, relocation | $4,000 bonus | $2,000 bonus, $3,000 sign-on, $5,000 relocation |
| Year 1 value | $85,400 | $107,922 |
| Every year after | $85,400 | $99,922 |
| Per hour worked | $38.73 | $39.65 |
Offer B pays about $14,500 more a year, but the value per hour is almost the same. The difference is mostly the extra 5 hours a week. That is the conversation I want candidates to have with themselves: is the extra money worth the extra time, and will the overtime still be there next year?
Questions to ask before you compare
- Is the role exempt or non-exempt? (how to tell)
- How many hours has the team actually worked per week over the last few months?
- What is the bonus target, and what did people really receive last year?
- Do I have to repay the sign-on or relocation if I leave within a year?
- When do health insurance and the 401(k) match start: day one or after 60 to 90 days?
Once you know which offer you prefer, here is how to negotiate with a Korean company without hurting the relationship. To see the after-tax difference, try the take-home pay calculator.
FAQ
Is a higher salary always the better offer?
No. Hourly roles with steady overtime, a stronger 401(k) match or cheaper health insurance can beat a higher salary. Compare the yearly total and the value per hour worked.
How is a sign-on bonus taxed?
It is taxed as regular income. Employers often withhold federal tax at a flat 22% on bonuses, and the final amount is settled when you file your return.
Should I include stock or equity?
Add it to the yearly bonus field only if it vests on a clear schedule and has a cash value you can estimate. Otherwise, compare it separately.