Not necessarily. Another way SWE's got into a better position is the environment not their own ability. One way this could happen: Let's say that a lot of com

Not necessarily. Another way SWE's got into a better position is the environment not their own ability. One way this could happen: Let's say that a lot of companies want SWEs and there aren't that many SWEs available. So, you go try and hire and any SWE has a bunch of potential offers. They don't negotiate much, but still have to say no to many people. Those people may then say, well, what if we offer you more? SWE says yes. Have that happen all over and constantly and all of a sudden SWEs are by standard paid more rather than purposefully negotiating higher because their negotiation happened for them in the past based on the environment they were in rather than negotiations.