How do I evaluate a job offer beyond just the base salary?

Look at total compensation, not the headline number. Add up base salary, target bonus, the dollar value of equity (RSUs vest over ~4 years, so divide the grant by four for an annual figure), the 401(k) match, health-premium costs, and perks like remote work. A $150,000 base with a 6% match and $40,000/year in RSUs is very different from a $165,000 base with neither. Also weigh commute, growth path, and the company's stability. For equity-heavy tech offers, model the after-tax value of RSUs since they're taxed as ordinary income when they vest. A useful next step is to run the equity portion through wealthserene.com/tools/rsu-espp-calculator so you're comparing real take-home, not paper promises.