> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.keystn.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Compensation Estimator

> The Compensation Estimator projects a candidate's expected earnings based on your actual commission templates and their anticipated production volume.

## Where to find it

The compensation estimator is available on the candidate detail page. Open a candidate and scroll to the **Compensation Estimator** section.

If the candidate has production history recorded (average monthly volume and units), those values are pre-filled as defaults.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/keystone-7f1d7db6/YTADflyOdcrqK4Pa/images/recruiting/comp-estimator.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=YTADflyOdcrqK4Pa&q=85&s=c08c19a0234ef94005ae36b913039826" alt="Compensation estimator" width="2880" height="1800" data-path="images/recruiting/comp-estimator.png" />

## How it works

The estimator takes three inputs, applies your commission template's rules, and returns projected earnings.

### Inputs

| Input                        | Description                                                                                                                      |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Commission Template**      | Select one of your company's active commission templates. Templates define the rate, calculation method, and file fee structure. |
| **Estimated Monthly Volume** | The candidate's projected monthly loan volume in dollars. Pre-filled from the candidate's production history if available.       |
| **Estimated Monthly Units**  | The candidate's projected number of loans closed per month. Pre-filled from the candidate's production history if available.     |

### Calculation

The estimator calculates compensation using the selected commission template's rules:

1. **Monthly Gross** is calculated based on the template's amount type:
   * **Percentage:** `volume x rate / 100`
   * **Basis Points (Bps):** `volume x rate / 10,000`
   * **Flat per unit:** `units x rate`

2. **File Fee Deduction** is subtracted if the template has a file fee configured and it is set to apply first:
   * **Flat file fee:** `fileFee x units`
   * **Percentage file fee:** `volume x fileFee / 100`
   * **Bps file fee:** `volume x fileFee / 10,000`

3. **Monthly Net** = Monthly Gross - File Fee Deduction

4. **Annual Projection** = Monthly Net x 12

### Output

The estimator displays the following results:

| Field                  | Description                                                                                                               |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Template Name**      | The name of the commission template used                                                                                  |
| **Rate**               | The commission rate and its type (percentage, bps, or flat), along with the commission basis (Loan Amount or Broker Comp) |
| **Monthly Gross**      | Total monthly commission before deductions                                                                                |
| **File Fee Deduction** | Monthly file fee amount (shown only if applicable)                                                                        |
| **Monthly Net**        | Monthly earnings after file fee deduction                                                                                 |
| **Annual Projection**  | Projected annual net earnings (monthly net x 12)                                                                          |

## Using the estimator for offer negotiation

The compensation estimator is most valuable during the **Offer** stage of the pipeline. Here are best practices for using it effectively:

### Comparing commission plans

Run the estimator multiple times with different commission templates to show a candidate how their earnings would differ under various plans. This is especially useful when your company offers multiple compensation structures (e.g., higher split with higher file fees vs. lower split with no file fees).

### Scenario modeling

Adjust the volume and units inputs to model different production levels:

* **Conservative scenario:** Use the candidate's current production as a baseline.
* **Growth scenario:** Increase volume by 10--20% to show upside potential.
* **Ramp-up scenario:** Use a lower volume for the first few months to set realistic expectations.

### Using production history

When creating a candidate, record their average monthly volume and units. These values automatically populate the estimator fields, saving time and ensuring consistency between what you know about the candidate and what you model.

### What the estimator does not include

The estimator provides a simplified projection. It does not account for:

* Volume-based bonus tiers
* Commission adjustments (positive or negative) that may be applied at the loan level
* Seasonal variation in production
* Draw advances or guaranteed minimums
* Benefits, taxes, or other deductions

Use the estimator as a starting point for the compensation conversation, not as a binding agreement.

## Commission templates

The estimator requires at least one active commission template to function. If no templates are available, a message is displayed indicating that no commission templates exist.

Commission templates are configured separately under your company's commission settings. Each template defines:

* A rate (percentage, bps, or flat amount)
* A commission basis (Loan Amount or Broker Comp)
* An optional file fee with its own rate type
* A role type (which roles the template applies to)

Only active templates appear in the estimator dropdown. See the [Commissions documentation](/recruiting/../commissions/index) for details on creating and managing commission templates.