What counts as total compensation?
Total compensation can include guaranteed salary plus variable compensation and employer-provided benefits. Depending on the employer, that may include bonuses, commissions, equity, retirement contributions and health benefits.
Why total compensation matters
A lower base salary can still be competitive if other components are meaningfully higher. But uncertain compensation should not automatically be treated like cash salary.
Compare the package with the job
After estimating total compensation, compare working hours, commute, PTO, job security and growth. A compensation package is only one part of the decision.