"Should I take the salary or the hourly job?" The headline number rarely tells the whole story — overtime, benefits, and stability often matter more than the rate itself.
Start by comparing the raw numbers
Convert both to the same basis: a $30/hour job at 40 hours/week is about $62,400 a year; a $65,000 salary is about $31.25/hour. Use the converters so you're comparing apples to apples.
Where hourly can win
- Overtime: non-exempt hourly workers get 1.5× past 40 hrs/week (how overtime works) — salaried/exempt usually don't.
- Pay for every hour: work more, earn more.
Where salary can win
- Stability: consistent paycheck regardless of slow weeks or holidays.
- Benefits: salaried roles more often include health, 401(k) match, PTO — real dollar value on top of the number.
- Paid time off: you're paid for holidays/vacation.
The hidden factor: exempt vs non-exempt
A salaried exempt employee who works 50-hour weeks effectively earns a lower true hourly rate (no overtime). Always factor in expected hours, not just the headline pay.
Compare take-home, not just gross
Benefits and pre-tax deductions change net pay. Run both offers through the paycheck calculator to compare real take-home, and read gross vs net vs taxable income.