That’s a bit high. I’d say 350-400k TC is more reasonable. You’re not getting an offer for $500k as senior eng with 5 YOE unless you’re exceptional. Therefore,

That’s a bit high. I’d say 350-400k TC is more reasonable. You’re not getting an offer for $500k as senior eng with 5 YOE unless you’re exceptional. Therefore, not “easily” obtained. Most of the data on levels would agree. Even with pre-ipo companies, you’re not getting 250k/yr in net asset value or whatever marker you’re using. Usually the 250k/yr with pre-public comes from them assuming the stock 10x’s. (A big if for many-many startups and a very long term game - salary doesn’t usually breach 200k/yr much either) $500k is staff range and very few eng are staff at 5 years. I just went through a series of interviews as well. The highest offer I got was 380K TC for 8 YOE. So, ymmv. I agree with stock appreciation being real but don’t count on it. It can be very difficult to be at some companies even when you have the stock appreciation happening. I walked away from $1M+/yr because of toxic culture and environment. I’d only rely on what you can get reliably in the market. Relying on that appreciated stock is foolish and a quick way to misery.