Example

Comparing two job offers with different bonus structures

A worked example showing how two offers can look close on paper while landing differently in after-tax cash and certainty.

Worked example2 min readRuleset 2025-26Reviewed by PayPath UK editorial reviewMethodology

Scenario

Offer A pays a stronger base salary with a smaller bonus. Offer B pays less salary but advertises a larger bonus opportunity.

What to notice

This is not just a pay comparison. It is a certainty-versus-upside comparison. The salary-heavy package may support better monthly planning even if the total headline opportunity looks lower.

Practical use

Use the job offer comparison calculator for the broad package view and the salary vs bonus calculator if you want to isolate the fixed-versus-variable difference more directly.

How to use PayPath here

Run the relevant calculator for your live numbers, review the methodology if the assumptions matter to your decision, and save the strongest scenarios in the workspace if you are comparing more than one option.