HR & Ops
true cost to replace a software engineer turnover calculator
Replacement cost = cost to hire + (vacancy months × role output value) + ramp months × (1 − productivity%) × loaded pay + knowledge/severance extras.
Estimates the fully loaded cost of losing a software engineer: recruiting, vacancy drag, onboarding ramp, and knowledge lost—not just a job-board invoice.
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Terms & how it works
Confused by a field? Read the short definitions here while you use the tool.
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Estimate turnover cost to replace a software engineer: hiring, ramp, and lost output. Free, instant.
When to use this true cost to replace a software engineer turnover
Common use cases
- Estimate turnover cost to replace a software engineer: hiring, ramp, and lost output. Free, instant.
- Sanity-check with this case: Hire cost $28k + 2 months vacancy at $12k/month impact + 3 months at 50% of $15k loaded pay ≈ $28k + $24k + $22.5k = $74.5k.
- The relationship is: Replacement cost = cost to hire + (vacancy months × role output value) + ramp months × (1 − productivity%) × loaded pay + knowledge/severance extras.
Localized examples
- HR & Ops: the example on this page uses the same formula as the widget.
What you get
- Workspace controls for this exact question
- Replacement cost = cost to hire + (vacancy months × role output value) + ramp months × (1 − productivity%) × loaded pay + knowledge/severance extras.
- Example on the page: Hire cost $28k + 2 months vacancy at $12k/month impact + 3 months at 50% of $15k loaded pay ≈ $28k + $24k + $22.5k = $74.5k.
What is it?
Estimates the fully loaded cost of losing a software engineer: recruiting, vacancy drag, onboarding ramp, and knowledge lost—not just a job-board invoice.
The Formula
Governing formula
Replacement cost = cost to hire + (vacancy months × role output value) + ramp months × (1 − productivity%) × loaded pay + knowledge/severance extras.
Real-World Example
Hire cost $28k + 2 months vacancy at $12k/month impact + 3 months at 50% of $15k loaded pay ≈ $28k + $24k + $22.5k = $74.5k.
Why It Matters
Retention is often cheaper than a “we’ll just backfill.” This number is what you compare against a raise, equity refresh, or manager time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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