I look at this question from another perspective: if a programmer can create 3x more value than an average one, I am more than happy to offer 3x salary. One may

I look at this question from another perspective: if a programmer can create 3x more value than an average one, I am more than happy to offer 3x salary. One may ask how do I define value? Well, examples include easy-to-read documentation, clean, expandable software architecture, a cheerful attitude, ability to work with less-bright team mates, even someone who doesn't take oneself too seriously is some kind of value to me. On top of these, in most programming projects, quality of programmer is way way more important than the quantity of programmers involved. In other words, if given a choice of one smart programmer with 3x salary or 3 average programmers with 1x salary, I would choose the former in a heartbeat. Of course, the HR definitely won't agree, but for my own business, top programmer will always fetch big bucks. I am talking from my current experience of managing a 10-person programming team.