SalaryCheck vs Levels.fyi — Which Should You Use?
If you're deciding between SalaryCheck and Levels.fyi, the short answer is: they solve overlapping problems in different ways. Levels.fyi Levels.fyi is a compensation database focused on tech roles, with crowdsourced total-comp breakdowns by level and company. SalaryCheck is a focused $9.99 tool that produces a structured report without an account or subscription. Neither is objectively "better" — the right pick depends on whether you want a marketplace / subscription / full service, or a one-shot analysis you can run in about 30 seconds. Below is a straight comparison, including where Levels.fyi is genuinely the better choice.
At a glance
| Feature | SalaryCheck | Levels.fyi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99 one-time per salary check | Free + paid negotiation coaching |
| Account required | No | Browsing is mostly free |
| Speed to result | ~30 seconds | Minutes of browsing |
| AI model | Frontier AI | N/A (crowdsourced) |
| What you get | Structured report you can download | Comp ranges by level & company |
Feature-by-feature comparison
Where we have confidence in a specific claim about Levels.fyi, it's listed. Where details vary by plan or are harder to verify, the row uses hedged language.
| Feature | SalaryCheck | Levels.fyi |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Any role + a specific offer verdict | Big-tech SWE/PM/DS roles with total-comp detail |
| Pricing | $9.99 one-time | Free browse; paid coaching varies (hundreds to low thousands) |
| Output | Verdict + counteroffer + email | Ranges by level/company; coaching for full negotiation |
| Coverage | Most US roles | Strongest in tech; weak outside |
| Stock comp modeling | Basic | Detailed (vest, refreshers, etc.) |
Best for…
Pick SalaryCheck if
Non-tech professionals, or tech people who want a quick answer without coaching.
Pick Levels.fyi if
Big-tech engineers at L5+ where stock and refreshers are material.
Where SalaryCheck is different
- RaiseCheck verdicts your specific offer and drafts a negotiation email — Levels.fyi shows you comparison ranges.
- We cover non-tech roles too, not just SWE/PM/DS ladders.
- Flat $9.99 vs. a coaching engagement that runs into the thousands.
Real scenarios
Scenario
You're a marketing manager evaluating a $140k offer in Austin. Levels.fyi has nothing.
What SalaryCheck does
SalaryCheck covers non-tech roles and gives you a verdict tailored to your role, city, and YoE.
Scenario
You have a Google L5 offer and need to know if the stock refresh is standard.
What SalaryCheck does
Use Levels.fyi — we can't match their dataset on big-tech total comp.
Switching from Levels.fyi
If you're currently using Levels.fyi and want to try SalaryCheck on one document or decision, here's the path:
- If you're in big tech: check Levels.fyi for your company/level first — their data beats ours for FAANG-class orgs.
- Then run the offer through SalaryCheck for a written verdict and counter-email.
- For senior tech negotiations ($400k+), Levels.fyi's paid coaching may pay for itself.
Where Levels.fyi might be the better choice
We're not going to pretend we're right for everyone — here's when we'd send you elsewhere.
- For big-tech total-comp (stock, bonus, levels) Levels.fyi's dataset is more granular than ours.
- Their paid coaching with ex-recruiters is a different (and sometimes worth-it) product for senior negotiations.
When not to use SalaryCheck
Honest limits. SalaryCheck is a sanity check, not a substitute for a licensed professional.
- You need granular equity modeling across vesting schedules.
- You're doing a complex multi-offer senior negotiation — coaching may be worth it.
- You want interview prep and leveling insights beyond comp.
Frequently asked questions
Is Levels.fyi worth it?
Levels.fyi can be worth it depending on what you need. For big-tech total-comp (stock, bonus, levels) Levels.fyi's dataset is more granular than ours. Their paid coaching with ex-recruiters is a different (and sometimes worth-it) product for senior negotiations. If you instead want SalaryCheck's specific value — RaiseCheck verdicts your specific offer and drafts a negotiation email — Levels.fyi shows you comparison ranges. — this page covers the trade-offs honestly.
How is SalaryCheck different from Levels.fyi?
RaiseCheck verdicts your specific offer and drafts a negotiation email — Levels.fyi shows you comparison ranges. We cover non-tech roles too, not just SWE/PM/DS ladders. Flat $9.99 vs. a coaching engagement that runs into the thousands.
How much does SalaryCheck cost compared to Levels.fyi?
SalaryCheck is $9.99 one-time per salary check. Levels.fyi is Free + paid negotiation coaching.
Who should pick SalaryCheck?
You want a quick verdict + email script, not a week of coaching. You work outside big tech and need non-SWE comparisons. You don't want to spend four figures on negotiation help.
Is Levels.fyi free?
Browsing is free. Their negotiation coaching is paid and typically costs hundreds to low thousands depending on scope.
Should I pay for Levels.fyi coaching or use SalaryCheck?
Depends on stakes. For a senior big-tech offer with $200k+ in variable comp, coaching may pay for itself. For most offers, $9.99 does the job.
Does SalaryCheck model equity?
We factor in stock if you provide it, but we don't do the deep vesting/refresher math Levels.fyi is known for.
Can I use both?
Yes. Levels.fyi for raw data, SalaryCheck for the verdict and email.
Pick SalaryCheck if…
- You want a quick verdict + email script, not a week of coaching.
- You work outside big tech and need non-SWE comparisons.
- You don't want to spend four figures on negotiation help.