Founder Salary Calculator
Calculate an appropriate salary for startup founders based on stage, location, and runway.
Company Information
Stage & FundingFounder Details
Role & LocationMinimum needed to cover personal expenses (rent, food, etc.)
Recommended Salary
Based on your inputsRecommended Annual Salary
$127K
$11K/month
Low Range
$98K
High Range
$156K
Your Position vs Peers
18th percentile
Based on your personal minimum of $72K/year
Runway Impact
Months of runway at each levelCurrent runway: 20 months
Tax Optimization
Consider a mix of reasonable salary and potential distributions (if structured as S-Corp). Ensure your salary is "reasonable" per IRS guidelines.
Stage Benchmarks
Before location adjustmentYour stage (seed): $75K - $120K
Location adjustment (SF Bay Area): 130% of baseline
When to Increase Salary
Raise Series A ($5M+)
+$30,000-$50,000/year
Achieve $50K MRR
+$15,000-$25,000/year
Expand runway to 24+ months
+$10,000-$20,000/year
Key Insights
Your personal minimum is within the recommended range for your stage.
With 2 co-founders at the recommended salary, total founder cost is $254K/year.
This calculator provides general guidance based on industry benchmarks. Actual salary decisions should consider your specific circumstances, board expectations, and legal requirements. Consult with financial and legal advisors for personalized guidance.
Want to learn more about founder compensation?
Read our comprehensive guide covering founder salary benchmarks by stage, investor expectations, and when to increase your compensation.
Read the complete founder salary guide →