Pay transparency, fairness, and predictability are crucial in remote tech startups like Checkly, where distributed teams can make pay harder to manage. The company aimed to create a fair and transparent culture by designing a pay formula that takes into account various factors such as location, experience, and performance. After conducting extensive research and benchmarking against multiple sources, the team created a self-service pay calculator that provides clear guidance on salary ranges for different roles. The calculator has been successfully launched internally and externally, with positive feedback from candidates, and is now available to other companies as an open-source resource. The goal is to improve fair pay practices, set an example for transparency, and provide a valuable employer branding opportunity. The team plans to continue iterating on the calculator to ensure it remains effective as they grow and scale.