Sterlingsum
Job offer comparison calculator
Enter two salaries and pension contributions to see which offer leaves more in your pocket each month.
Based on GOV.UK figures for 2026/27. Last reviewed 4 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Offer A against Offer B
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Comparing two job offers
A higher salary does not always mean more money in your pocket. Income Tax and National Insurance take a bigger share as pay rises, and a bigger pension contribution lowers your take-home pay now but builds your retirement savings. This calculator puts both offers through the same 2026/27 tax rules so you can compare like with like.
Remember that take-home pay is only part of the picture. Holiday, bonuses, commuting costs, working hours and the employer's pension contribution all matter too. The table shows the employer pension separately so you can see it.
What this calculator assumes
- Both offers are for a full tax year, with the 2026/27 rates and no other income.
- Student loan and where you pay tax are the same for both offers.
- Pension contributions are a percentage of your full salary. Employer contributions are shown as a percentage of salary too.
- It does not include bonuses, benefits in kind, a postgraduate loan or a changed tax code.
Questions people ask
Does a higher salary always mean more take-home pay?
Almost always, but by less than the pay rise. Income Tax and National Insurance take a share of every extra pound, so a £2,000 rise adds less than £2,000 to your take-home pay.
Why show the employer pension separately?
Your employer's contribution is paid into your pension, not to you, so it does not change your take-home pay. It is still part of what the job is worth, so it is shown for comparison.
Does this calculator send my details anywhere?
No. The comparison runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to us. Our privacy page has the details.
Is this financial advice?
No. It gives estimates for information only. Check your payslip and tax code for the exact figures.