How to Evaluate Compensation Packages: Base, Equity, and Geographic Differentials

Understanding Total Compensation

When reviewing job opportunities, candidate evaluation must look beyond headline base salary to total compensation including bonuses, equity vesting schedules, and health benefits.

Key Elements to Evaluate

• Base Salary vs Incentive: Ensure the guaranteed base salary meets your baseline financial commitments before considering performance incentives.
• Currency and Remote Differentials: For cross-border remote contracts, determine whether pay is benchmarked to your local market, the company's headquarters, or a global median.
• Tax & Contractor vs Employee Status: Understand whether the position is classified as direct employment (W-2 / PAYE) or international contractor (B2B / 1099).