I’ve been inspired by an old HN thread that asks what software engineers with > 200K salary did to get there ( tinyurl.com/hwvw5yl ). I am looking for recent data points/advice on what people did or are doing to get > 250K base salary (total > 300K comp) these days. Newyork/silicon valley data points are preferable, but not necessary since outliers are interesting as well. To keep the spirit of old thread - there are the questions:
How much are you making?
Is your income stable or volatile?
What industry are you in?
Where do you live?
How long/What did it take to get to your level?
What kind of work do you do?
Do you enjoy it, or is it the stereotypical "highly paid because it's crappy" work?
Is this a short-lived opportunity, or do you expect it to exist in 5 years?
What would your advice be to a 25-yr-old aspiring developer? 30? 35 ?
Hope this post helps someone who is either entering the field or a current player looking for a similar path.
My story (optional) :
Currently 30M, a Sr software engineer in NYC with ~8 yrs experience with 180K comp (165 base + ~15K bonus)+benefits at a private firm.
Looking to double my compensation in the next year and reach a 500K comp goal in the next 5 years.
My plan is to change my job in the next few months and get around 225-250K(base+bonus) or higher at a big firm like Google or hedge fund etc.
Medium-Longer term, want to reach 500K goal by building a brand around myself (website, blogs, videos, apps, podcasts, talks, books etc), but that would require a lot of hard work and time (~1-2 year at least). Would love to know your thoughts.
My 2c for juniors:
1. Learn like crazy during early years.
2. Negotiate well during job changes: Don't disclose your prev salary; always let them give a range.
Some people at work recognize my normal username, hence the throwaway.
Was a quick write up, so I’ll add any important details I missed.
Hope this post helps someone who is either entering the field or a current player looking for a similar path.
My story (optional) : Currently 30M, a Sr software engineer in NYC with ~8 yrs experience with 180K comp (165 base + ~15K bonus)+benefits at a private firm. Looking to double my compensation in the next year and reach a 500K comp goal in the next 5 years. My plan is to change my job in the next few months and get around 225-250K(base+bonus) or higher at a big firm like Google or hedge fund etc. Medium-Longer term, want to reach 500K goal by building a brand around myself (website, blogs, videos, apps, podcasts, talks, books etc), but that would require a lot of hard work and time (~1-2 year at least). Would love to know your thoughts. My 2c for juniors: 1. Learn like crazy during early years. 2. Negotiate well during job changes: Don't disclose your prev salary; always let them give a range.
Some people at work recognize my normal username, hence the throwaway. Was a quick write up, so I’ll add any important details I missed.