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How to compare two job offers (Ireland and UK)

A higher salary isn't always the better offer. What matters is what lands in your account, what goes into your pension, and what the job costs you to do. Use these five steps to compare offers like for like.

Check official sources. Figures below were checked against the official pages listed at the bottom on 14 October 2026. Budget and Finance Act changes can alter them, so confirm before relying on them.

1. Convert both salaries to take-home pay

Compare net pay, not gross. In Ireland, income tax (20%/40%), USC and PRSI come out. In the UK it's Income Tax and employee National Insurance (8% between £12,570 and £50,270, 2% above). Our Ireland and UK take-home guides show the calculation.

Watch your top rate. Once your Irish income passes the 20% band (€44,000 single in 2026), about half of each extra euro goes in tax, USC and PRSI. A €3,000 pay rise is worth roughly €1,600 net, not €3,000.

2. Add the employer pension contribution

An employer that matches 5% of your salary is effectively paying you 5% more. Count it.

• Ireland: your own pension contributions get income tax relief at your marginal rate, within age-related limits. There is no relief from USC or PRSI.
• UK: under salary sacrifice, pension contributions come out before Income Tax and National Insurance, so £1 into the pension costs you less than £1 of take-home. Ask whether the employer offers it.

3. Value the benefits honestly

Health insurance, bonuses, a car, shares and extra annual leave all have value. Only count a bonus you are fairly confident of. Remember that many benefits are taxable as benefit-in-kind, so ask how each one appears on your payslip.

4. Subtract the cost of doing the job

Commuting (fuel, parking, train or Leap card), childcare for longer hours, and lunches can wipe out a pay rise. Compare the monthly cost of each option, and give hybrid or remote days a value.

5. Compare like for like

Then weigh the things money can't measure: job security, progression, hours and stress.

In the UK? Use the Pay Rise & Job Offer Calculator (UK).

Not financial advice. These guides are general information for budgeting and planning, not financial, tax, legal or mortgage advice. Rules change and your situation is unique. Check official sources or a qualified adviser before you act.