This is true for a large fraction of the programming world, but not all of it. As just two examples I happen to know: 1) graphics / games / vfx 2) energy /

This is true for a large fraction of the programming world, but not all of it. As just two examples I happen to know: 1) graphics / games / vfx 2) energy / mining It is the norm in these markets to pay for industry leading software tools, and I know multiple companies making profit-per-employee in ballpark FAANG range.