Technology Severance Pay: 2026 Guide & Calculator
Technology typically offers 2-4 weeks per year of service. Calculate your estimated package below.
Free Severance Pay Calculator
Estimate your severance package based on your salary, years of service, and industry
How Technology Severance Packages Work
Technology companies typically offer generous severance packages, especially during layoffs. Companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft have offered 16+ weeks base plus 2 weeks per year of service.
Technology Severance by Position Level
Example: 5 years, $100,000 salary, typical range
| Position | Multiplier | Weeks | Estimated Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Contributor | 1x | 15.0 weeks | $28,846 |
| Manager | 1.1x | 16.5 weeks | $31,731 |
| Director | 1.25x | 18.8 weeks | $36,058 |
| Vice President | 1.5x | 22.5 weeks | $43,269 |
| Executive / C-Suite | 2x | 30.0 weeks | $57,692 |
Technology Severance After Tax by State
Top states for technology workers. Same package, different take-home.
| State | State Tax | Total Tax | After-Tax (on $50K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 12.3% | 34.3% | $32,850 |
| Washington | 0.0% | 22.0% | $39,000 |
| Texas | 0.0% | 22.0% | $39,000 |
| New York | 10.9% | 32.9% | $33,550 |
| Massachusetts | 9.0% | 31.0% | $34,500 |
| Colorado | 4.4% | 26.4% | $36,800 |
| Georgia | 5.5% | 27.5% | $36,250 |
| Virginia | 5.8% | 27.8% | $36,125 |
| Illinois | 5.0% | 27.0% | $36,525 |
| North Carolina | 4.8% | 26.8% | $36,625 |
Negotiating Technology Severance
Industry-specific strategies to maximize your technology severance package:
- ✓Negotiate accelerated stock option vesting — this can be worth tens of thousands
- ✓Ask for extended exercise windows (90 days is standard; push for 12 months)
- ✓Request continuation of equity compensation or a cash equivalent
- ✓Many tech companies will extend laptop/equipment ownership
Think Your Severance Is Too Low?
Employment lawyers have helped workers negotiate 2-5x their original offers. Get a free consultation.
Technology Severance FAQ
How much severance do technology workers typically get?▼
Technology companies typically offer 2-4 weeks of pay per year of service. For example, an employee with 5 years of service earning $100,000 would receive approximately $28,846 at the typical rate.
Is severance mandatory in the technology industry?▼
No, severance is not legally required in any industry at the federal level. However, many technology companies offer it as standard practice, and it may be included in employment contracts. The WARN Act may also require 60 days notice or pay for mass layoffs.
Can I negotiate my technology severance package?▼
Absolutely. Most severance packages in technology are negotiable. An employment lawyer experienced in technology can typically negotiate 2-5x the initial offer, especially if there are potential legal claims. Many offer free initial consultations.
Top Technology Companies
Technology Roles
📋 Free Severance Negotiation Checklist
The exact steps employment lawyers use to negotiate higher severance. Used by 10,000+ employees.