PAY & TAX
Compare Two Salaries
Compare two UK salary packages side by side for the 2026/27 tax year. Include tax codes, pension, student loans, bonuses, overtime, salary sacrifice, taxable benefits and deductions to see which package leaves you better off.
Compare Two Salaries – FAQs
How does this salary comparison calculator work?
This tool compares two salaries by estimating your take home pay after Income Tax, National Insurance, pension contributions and student loan repayments. It applies the same UK tax rules to both salaries, then shows the difference in net pay across annual, monthly and weekly views.
Is it better to compare gross salary or net salary?
Net salary (take home pay) is usually more important than gross salary when comparing jobs. Two salaries with the same headline pay can result in very different take-home amounts depending on tax, pension setup, student loans and benefits. This calculator focuses on net pay to give a more realistic comparison.
Can I compare two jobs with different pension contributions?
Yes, you can enter different pension contribution levels and types (such as salary sacrifice or net pay arrangements) for each salary. This allows you to see how pension setup affects your take home pay and overall package value.
Does this calculator include bonuses and overtime?
Yes, you can include bonus income and overtime for each salary. These are added to your earnings and taxed accordingly, so you can see how variable pay affects your total income and net pay.
Can I compare salary sacrifice and benefits?
Yes, the calculator allows you to include salary sacrifice items (such as cycle-to-work or childcare) and taxable benefits (such as private medical insurance). This helps you compare the full value of each compensation package, not just the base salary.
What does the difference column show?
The difference column shows how much Salary B differs from Salary A (B minus A). A positive value means Salary B gives you more income or take-home pay, while a negative value means Salary A is higher.
Can I use the same tax code and student loan for both salaries?
Yes, by default the calculator applies the same tax code and student loan settings to both salaries. If your circumstances differ between jobs, you can choose to enter separate tax and student loan details for each salary.
Is this salary comparison calculator accurate?
This tool provides an estimate based on current UK tax rules for the 2026/27 tax year. Actual results may vary depending on your employer’s payroll system and individual circumstances, but it gives a strong indication of how two salaries compare.