Honestly it seems like you are out of touch with the market and with what is reasonable. $200k for devs is not impossible, but I would not call it common eithe

Honestly it seems like you are out of touch with the market and with what is reasonable. $200k for devs is not impossible, but I would not call it common either and more rarely have I seen a salary around $200k. Usually I see more like mid 100's with RSU's and/or performance bonuses that can push you up to the high 100's or possibly over $200k. Finance is your best place to try and get a comp package that is in that range, but even then it will be in specific markets and depending where you are you may need to relocate etc. That may not be an issue for you, but $200k in NYC is different then $200k in Austin Tx, or North Carolina etc. You can live very comfortably on quite a bit less then $200k in most markets, excluding maybe SF and NYC. If your expenses are such that you require that level of income then you are in a bit of a bind without a network to fall back on. Generally, people that get to these levels almost always do it through a network of contacts, and even in finance they typically have a good network to rely on and a track record of proof to go with it. I'd love to hear any details to the contrary, specifically by someone who has done it or has first hand knowledge. Edit: One point, you didn't limit your comment to dev roles. BizDev, marketing and sales roles can also be other methods, but again, without a network or a proven track record in those fields you will be hard pressed to get an offer in that range. You may work up to that range within a few years, but you won't start there generally.