What Is Unlimited PTO Actually Worth?
TL;DR / Quick Take
Fifteen extra PTO days on a $120k salary is roughly $6,900 of compensation — if you actually take them. Unlimited PTO often means less time off, not more.
The Simple Math
PTO Value = (Annual Salary ÷ 2,080 hours) × PTO Hours
Example: $120,000 salary → ~$57.69/hour. Twenty PTO days (160 hours) → $9,231 of compensation value. Compare that directly when one offer gives 15 days and another gives 25.
Unlimited PTO: Read the Fine Print
Unlimited PTO sounds generous. In practice, employees at unlimited-PTO companies often take fewer days because there's no accrual to track and social pressure discourages long absences. Ask current employees (via Blind, LinkedIn, or interview loops) how many days people actually take.
Also check: separate sick leave? Parental leave beyond PTO? Company shutdown days between Christmas and New Year? Those aren't always included in "unlimited."
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I negotiate for more PTO instead of base salary?
Yes, especially if base is capped. An extra week of PTO is often easier for HR to approve than a $5k base increase, and it has real dollar value.
Do unused PTO days get paid out when I leave?
Depends on state law and company policy. Some states require payout of accrued PTO; unlimited policies often have nothing to pay out because nothing accrues.
How does WMO count PTO in Adjusted Value?
We convert PTO days to hourly value using base salary and add it to the benefits column. Unlimited policies use a conservative assumed usage unless you specify actual days taken.