Just when things start to look up, you're reminded what a colossal pile of shit you live in... Where I'm from, a senior sw person is lucky to crack six figures

Just when things start to look up, you're reminded what a colossal pile of shit you live in... Where I'm from, a senior sw person is lucky to crack six figures in Canadian dollars. The thought of getting paid $160k a year is akin to dreaming I'll get signed to a major league contract. Typically, developers either become something else where code is their secret weapon, or they top out at below six figures. There are benefits, working conditions are amazing and so I'm confident that for these people, the total package is worth into the six figure range. However, the same people who will top out at around $95k a year here (that's roughly $45 an hour) can bill (as you said) in the $75 - $120 an hour. Add in a favourable US - Canadian exchange rate and yeah, you're looking at 2-3 times... That's not profit and particularly if you have a family, it's expensive to get the same kinds of benefits. But the raw figures speak for themselves. I hate reminding myself what a stark difference a border makes. And, don't even tell me the average daytime temperature in San Diego in January...