Question 1

How do I compare two UK salaries after tax?

Accepted Answer

Enter both gross salaries (annual or monthly) and any pension contribution for each. The calculator runs each side through 2026/27 Income Tax, National Insurance and your chosen student loan plan, then shows the monthly and annual difference in take-home pay.

Question 2

Does the comparison include pension and student loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pension is treated as salary sacrifice (taken from gross before tax and NI) and is set per side, so you can model a different employer pension. Student loan plan is shared between both sides because it rarely changes when you switch jobs.

Question 3

Why is a higher salary sometimes only a little more take-home?

Accepted Answer

Crossing the £50,270 threshold puts extra pay into the 40% higher-rate band, and the personal allowance is tapered above £100,000. The calculator flags when one side crosses the higher-rate band so you can see why the gap narrows.

Question 4

Does this account for bonuses, benefits or pension matching?

Accepted Answer

It compares base salary and your pension contribution only. Bonuses, share schemes, healthcare and employer pension matching aren't included — factor those in alongside the take-home difference when weighing an offer.

Is the new job actually worth it?

New offer pays £547 more per month

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