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Career Decision Tool

Opportunity Cost Calculator

See the real dollar difference between a private sector job and public service — factoring in pension value, PSLF loan forgiveness, health insurance costs, and 401(k) matching. Base salary is one number. Total compensation is four more.

🏢 Private Sector

Annual match value: $3,800
Annual premium cost: $4,200

🏛 Public Sector

Used to calculate PSLF forgiveness value

Total Compensation Comparison

Private Sector — Annual
Base Salary$95,000
401(k) Match+$3,800
Health Premium Cost-$4,200
Pension Value (annual)$0
PSLF Forgiveness$0
Effective Annual Value$94,600
Public Sector — Annual
Base Salary$85,000
401(k)/TSP Match+$0 (pension instead)
Health Premium Cost-$1,800 (est.)
Pension Value (annual accrual)+$2,125
PSLF Forgiveness (annualized)+$6,000
Effective Annual Value$89,525
Annual Comp Difference
-$5,075
Private sector advantage
Pension Present Value
$264,775
$21,250/yr × 10 yrs
PSLF Forgiveness Value
$60,000
Full forgiveness eligible
10-Year Health Savings
$24,000
vs. private sector premiums
Total Net Advantage
$248,775
Over 10 years

For planning purposes only. Pension present value calculations use a 5% discount rate over a 20-year retirement horizon. PSLF estimates assume 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven plan. Consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized guidance.

What This Calculator Doesn't Capture

Retiree Health Coverage
CalPERS PEMHCA provides retiree health insurance — a benefit worth $200–$500/month that most private employers don't offer.
Job Security Premium
Civil service positions have due-process protections. The financial value of reduced layoff risk is real but hard to quantify.
Overtime & Shift Differentials
CDCR and VA nurses routinely earn 20–40% above base salary in overtime and differentials, which also increases pension calculations.
COLA Adjustments
CalPERS pensions receive annual cost-of-living adjustments. A pension that starts at $3,500/mo is worth significantly more over 20 years.

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