FastTools

Salary & Compensation

Tools and guides for comparing salaries, negotiating pay, understanding income percentiles, and evaluating total compensation

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Tools in This Collection

Guides & Articles

Understanding Your Compensation

Your salary is more than a number — it's your purchasing power, career trajectory, and financial security. Use the Income Percentile Calculator to see where you rank nationally. A $72,000 salary puts you at the 73rd percentile overall, but at the 78th percentile among 30-34 year olds. Read our income percentile by age guide for detailed benchmarks.

Salary Negotiation

The average successful salary negotiation increases an offer by 7-15%. Use the Salary Negotiation Calculator to model different scenarios. Know your market rate, your income percentile, and have a target number backed by data — not a range.

Comparing Offers Across Cities

A $90,000 offer in Austin has more purchasing power than $120,000 in San Francisco. The Cost of Living Comparison tool accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. Always compare offers on an adjusted basis, not raw salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What income puts you in the top 10% in the US?

Individual income of approximately $95,000+ puts you in the top 10% nationally. For households, the threshold is approximately $200,000. These figures vary significantly by age and location.

How do I calculate my true hourly wage?

Add unpaid work time (commute, prep, decompression) to your paid hours. Then divide your net annual salary by total hours. A $60K salary with 2 hours daily commute might be an effective $22/hour instead of $29/hour.

Should I negotiate salary on a first job offer?

Almost always yes. Data shows 85% of people who negotiate receive more money. The average successful negotiation increases an offer by 7-15%. Even entry-level positions have negotiation room.

How does cost of living affect salary comparison?

A $100K salary in Des Moines has roughly the same purchasing power as $160K in San Francisco. Always compare offers using a cost-of-living adjustment before making career decisions.