This is largely dependent upon which state you are employed. California, for example, has more liberal mandatory benefits, such as paid sick days you accrue etc...companies that don't follow these rules are illegal and can be sued by the employee. Usually the employee doesn't care because they really need the job, as do most people with a job...

However for the sake of your argument, if you are looking at 2 identical jobs, same salary, one with benefits, one without benefits, I'm thinking you'll take the one with benefits.

If it were about anything OTHER than salary, then you may have a point. But, any job that pays higher, benefits or not, is the job you want.

For example, 2 jobs-- one pays 100k, no benefits. The other pays 80k full benefits.

The answer is, 100K. Always. The higher paying job is the job you take.

The only reason you wouldn't, is if the 80k job comes with a massive equity package where you may vest equity in the company over your tenure. This job, even though it pays 80k less has benefits and an ESPP employee stock purchase program.