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Understanding a US job offer

By the USA Jobs 24 team · Updated November 2, 2026

A US offer is more than a salary. Benefits can add a large share on top of base pay, and the details differ a lot from one employer to the next. Here is what to look for.

Pay

  • Salary or hourly: salaried roles quote a yearly amount; hourly roles quote a rate per hour. A full-time year is about 2,080 hours.
  • Exempt or non-exempt: under federal law, non-exempt employees must be paid overtime, at least one and a half times their regular rate, for hours over 40 in a workweek. Exempt employees, usually salaried professionals, are not paid overtime.
  • Pay schedule: weekly, every two weeks or twice a month.

Bonus and equity

  • Bonus: check whether it is guaranteed or depends on company and personal performance, and what the target percentage is.
  • Equity: stock grants (RSUs) or options usually vest over several years, often with a one-year "cliff" before the first portion becomes yours. Leave before it vests and you lose the unvested part.
  • Sign-on bonus: read the fine print. Many must be paid back if you leave within a year.

Benefits

  • Health insurance: compare the monthly premium you pay, the deductible, and the out-of-pocket maximum, not just whether insurance is offered. Ask when coverage starts.
  • Retirement: a 401(k) lets you save from your paycheck before tax. Many employers add a "match" (for example, 50% of what you put in, up to 6% of pay). Check the vesting schedule for the employer's share.
  • Paid time off: no federal law requires paid vacation, so PTO varies widely. Some states and cities do require paid sick leave.
  • Other: dental and vision cover, life and disability insurance, parental leave, tuition help and commuter benefits.

At-will employment

Most US jobs are "at will": either you or the employer can end the job at any time, for any lawful reason, without notice. Montana is the main exception, where employers generally need good cause after a probation period. An offer letter is usually not a fixed-term contract, so read any clauses about notice, non-competes or repayment.

Contingencies and first-day paperwork

Offers are often contingent on a background check, reference check or drug test. An employer that uses a background-check company must get your written permission first. On or before your first day you will fill out Form I-9 to show you are authorized to work in the US, and Form W-4 to set your federal tax withholding.

Before you sign

Make sure the title, pay, start date, location or remote arrangement, and any bonus or equity are written down. If something you agreed on the phone is missing, ask for a corrected letter. Still deciding whether to push for more? Read how to negotiate your salary.

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