Feel like this way more of the case in the past than it is now. Engineers at top prop shops today are compensated more much generously than at all but the most

Feel like this way more of the case in the past than it is now. Engineers at top prop shops today are compensated more much generously than at all but the most senior engineers at a FAANG. For example, word is that new grad hires at Jane Street are getting first year guarantees at around the 450k range, which is much higher than an entry level engineer at a FAANG would make. Culturally, there's some truth in what you say though I think: alpha generators are probably more respected and are pulling more TC in good years.