You haven't seen a firm like Jane Street, Citadel/CitSec, HRT, Optiver, Jump, IMC, and so many more. Quant firms aren't just hedge funds anymore, they can also

You haven't seen a firm like Jane Street, Citadel/CitSec, HRT, Optiver, Jump, IMC, and so many more. Quant firms aren't just hedge funds anymore, they can also refer to market makers whose primary edge is not just models and traders, but fast and scalable software. At a top tier firm like JS CitSec or HRT, cash bonuses _start_ at 60-100% of your base, even for SWE. In really good years by the time the end of the year rolls around, you can expect 100% to 300% of your base in bonus. This was especially true in 2020 and 2021. I can personally attest to this since I was working at a top tier MM during those years. This post's "bonus" might also be including the signing bonus with recurring perf bonus. Typically, these firms offer sign-ons but OP did not seem to indicate that. Even with this in mind, I would expect with 6yoe your expected first year bonus would be at least 100% of base at a legitimate firm. And quite frankly, given the volatility we have had this year I would expect market making firms to make a killing. Wouldn't be surprised if market making firms post a PnL that rivals 2020 and 2021 and bonuses reach that 200% mark.