How do I compare two job offers in Australia?

Look beyond the headline salary. Calculate the after-tax take home pay for each offer, then factor in commute costs, commute time (your time has value), work-from-home days, super contributions, and any bonuses. A $90,000 job with a 2-hour daily commute might actually pay you less per hour than an $80,000 job you can do from home.

Should I take the job with the higher salary?

Not always. Due to progressive tax brackets, a $10,000 salary increase might only give you $6,000-$7,000 more after tax. And if the higher-paying job has longer hours, a worse commute, or less flexibility, the true hourly value might be lower. Consider the total package including super, bonuses, WFH days, and quality of life factors.

Does super matter when comparing jobs?

Yes. Check whether the salary is quoted as 'base plus super' or 'total package including super'. An $85,000 base + 12% super equals $95,200 total, while a $92,000 package including super means only $82,143 base salary. This alone can make a seemingly higher offer actually worth less.

How do I calculate the real value of working from home?

For each WFH day, you save your daily commute cost (fuel, tolls, public transport) and commute time. If your commute is 1 hour each way and you value your time at your hourly rate, each WFH day could save you $100+ in time value plus $20-50 in direct costs. Over a year, 2 WFH days per week can be worth $5,000-$15,000.

What is a 'true hourly rate' and why does it matter?

Your true hourly rate includes commute time in your working hours. If you earn $80,000/year working 38 hours/week, your simple hourly rate is $40.47. But if you commute 1 hour each way, your true hourly rate drops to $30.33 (48 hours including commute). This gives you a much more honest comparison between jobs.

Which Job Should I Take?

Got two offers and can't decide? We get it — it's stressful. Enter both jobs below and we'll crunch the real numbers — not just the salary, but the true value of each offer when you factor in tax, commute, flexibility, and super.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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Which Job Should I Take?

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