$132k/year is the going rate for pretty much anyone with 5+ years experience in California for a non-FAANG job. That's even if you're not amazing. In LA I've go

$132k/year is the going rate for pretty much anyone with 5+ years experience in California for a non-FAANG job. That's even if you're not amazing. In LA I've gotten offers for $150k when doing job interviews. This is at no name companies. That's not including health insurance and other benefits (e.g. the absolute basics like a company laptop.) I haven't interviewed in a year but I doubt this range has decreased. That's pretty high compared to "average" for the rest of the world yes, but you can get that or more if you have a strong referral with the hiring manager, even in a lower cost of living area. Strong referrals are the key to getting this kind of money outside of California and outside of a FAANG offer.