In finance its not hard to make. What is hard is to get hired for those roles: great school, do awesome in interviews that involve software, math, probability d

In finance its not hard to make. What is hard is to get hired for those roles: great school, do awesome in interviews that involve software, math, probability domains. On the buy side (hedge funds), you will be easily making that much in 2-3 years after joining. And finance folks love their puzzles and brain teasers too. In tech, its harder. Equity is key. A big company can offer that kind of equity if you offer something really unique or are in great demand (i.e. wanted by multiple great companies). Startups, you got to choose carefully and see if you can pick the right one that won't go under and also offer you good equity. I have rarely heard anyone getting paid that much in cash in tech except senior roles that can take a while to get to.