I don't know if (not) zero-sum is the right way to characterize it, but I agree. Fields like sports seem to compensate on an exponential function -- the top 1%

I don't know if (not) zero-sum is the right way to characterize it, but I agree. Fields like sports seem to compensate on an exponential function -- the top 1% make stupid sums of money, and even people on the same professional team can make very small sums compared to the top earner. Programming in comparison is compensated on a more linear function. What that means practically is that you don't have to be the top 1% of programmers to make a good salary.