From a purely financial/short-term perspective, which of these two offers is more lucrative ? This is for an entry-level position for someone just out of grad school (phd). Are these average/above/below market rates ? (i) 135K base + 100K targeted bonus(ii) 145K base + 60K guaranteed bonus

if from purely financial perspective, 135+100>145+60, done.

QuoteOriginally posted by: sagrFrom a purely financial/short-term perspective, which of these two offers is more lucrative ? This is for an entry-level position for someone just out of grad school (phd). Are these average/above/below market rates ? (i) 135K base + 100K targeted bonus(ii) 145K base + 60K guaranteed bonusI imagine the guaranteed bonus is prorated for this year. You should get a sense of what the bonuses will be like in the future. Sometimes, they guarantee large bonuses in the first year to get you to sign and then pay you low bonuses later.I think the salaries are on the high end. Both are good starting offers in terms of salary. More important are future options. Pick the one that most interests you and gives you the best exit options.

Neither.First up, what matters is the area under the curve.Generally the less guaranteed the bonus, the higher the average remuneration, but that's an expectation not a guarantee.Those numbers are plausible.