Quick brief
What to know before you calculate
A short read on the assumptions, trade-offs and definitions that shape the answer.
- A pay rise should be compared annually, monthly and weekly.
- Hourly work needs hours, paid weeks and overtime assumptions.
- Gross pay is not the same as take-home pay.
Convert everything to the same time period
Salary offers, hourly rates and pay rises are easier to compare when they are converted to annual, monthly and weekly amounts. This avoids overvaluing a higher hourly rate that comes with fewer paid weeks or unstable hours.
Check overtime assumptions
Overtime can materially change annual pay, but only if it is reliable. Separate regular contracted pay from expected overtime so you can see what is guaranteed and what depends on shifts being available.
Move from gross to net
Gross pay is before tax, pension, National Insurance, student loans and other deductions. Once the gross comparison looks sensible, estimate take-home pay to see the real monthly difference.
Include non-pay factors
Holiday, pension, sick pay, commuting cost, flexibility and progression can change the value of an offer. A slightly higher gross number is not always the better overall package.
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