Sure. What I mean by top-tier pay is essentially paying well above average to fewer, higher quality people.
I’d rather have 2-3 expert engineers making 2x pay than 10 mediocre engineers making 1x pay.
There is a sweet spot where you can scale with one expert in each domain, and if that “expert” is well compensated they can replace an entire engineering dept.
I was previously at the top of the salary band for Sr. Software Engineer at a decent big company, making 1.7-2x mediocre engineers I know elsewhere. Joining FB, my total comp (400kish) is an ample 5x mediocre in my area, and I hear thats normal across FAANGs.
I know 2x is still ridiculously high, even 1x is a very reasonable amount to live on, but 2x doesn't compare to 5x.
Maybe you live in a place where developers have the privilege of being able to pick the right employer among thousands.
It's not like that in most of the world.
In many places even senior software engineers have to choose between:
- nasty companies (advertisement, finance and trading, faangs, real estate speculation, cryptocurrencies, gambling and worse) that provide a living salary and provide a decent working environment
- few ok-ish companies that can offer a low salary, very unremarkable conditions and stability
- start your company or consultancy and make 0 money
- regret working in software and open a grocery store
The median salary for devs in the US is ~$110k, which is pretty close to your $125k. 200-250k TC doesn't seem like top-tier compared to the top of the market though.
Considering how sheepish parent is being and how carefully they are saying it, seems likely that they're hiring people outside the US where market rates are significantly lower and trying to feel proud of themselves for paying some few peanuts extra.
