CS offer evaluator

Compare the base salary and on-target earnings against market benchmarks for your specific role, location, and company size. A fair offer for a CSM in the US typically has a base between $73k–$98k and OTE between $95k–$129k for 2–5 years of experience. Always ask for historical attainment data to assess whether the OTE is realistic.

Realistic OTE depends on your base, your variable target, and the actual attainment rate at the company. If the variable target is $25k but the team typically hits 75%, your realistic variable is $18.75k — not $25k. Always ask what percentage of the team hit 100% or more of their variable in the last year before accepting an OTE figure.

Start with base salary — it compounds into future raises and bonus calculations. If base is non-negotiable, push on signing bonus, equity grant, variable target, or professional development budget. For Director and VP roles, always negotiate equity if none is offered. For on-site roles, factor in commuting costs when evaluating total compensation.

At growth-stage SaaS companies, equity can be a significant part of total compensation. For individual contributor CS roles at Series B and beyond, a small equity grant is common. For Director and VP roles, a meaningful grant of 0.1–0.5% is reasonable to expect. At public companies, equity typically comes as RSUs with a 4-year vesting schedule.

Remote CS roles often command a modest premium over equivalent on-site roles because companies can access a wider talent pool and candidates avoid commuting costs. However, some companies apply location-based pay adjustments for remote employees outside major metros. Always clarify the compensation philosophy for remote work before accepting an offer.