Compare two salaries 2026/27
Weighing up a job offer or a pay rise? Enter two salaries to see their take-home pay side by side, the net difference between them, and the marginal tax rate on the increase — how much of each extra pound you actually keep.
Compare salaries now →Why the net difference matters more than the gross
A £5,000 pay rise is not £5,000 in your pocket. Depending on where the increase falls, you keep roughly 72% in the basic-rate band, about 58% in the higher-rate band, and much less between £100,000 and £125,140 where the Personal Allowance tapers away.
The calculator computes both salaries under 2026/27 rules and shows the gross difference, the net difference, and the effective marginal rate on the extra income.
Frequently asked questions
How much of a pay rise do I actually keep?
In the basic-rate band you keep around 72p of each extra pound after 20% Income Tax and 8% National Insurance. In the higher-rate band it is about 58p after 40% tax and 2% NI. Between £100,000 and £125,140 the Personal Allowance taper pushes the effective marginal rate to roughly 60% or more.
Should I compare salaries on gross or net pay?
Net (take-home) pay is the fairer comparison, because the same gross difference can shrink substantially after tax depending on which band the increase falls into. This calculator shows both.
Does the comparison include pension and student loan?
The comparison uses Income Tax and National Insurance. For offers with different pension arrangements or if you repay a student loan, run each salary through the main take-home pay calculator.