Sure, there's a supply component as you say. If you need some level of competence (i.e. you can't just hire whomever), that strategy isn't going to work. If so

Sure, there's a supply component as you say. If you need some level of competence (i.e. you can't just hire whomever), that strategy isn't going to work. If someone can make six figures already as an electrical engineer or programmer or something, then even if you offer $1M/yr for your totally crappy job like another poster said, the best you'll get is that they'll do it for 6-12 months and quit. Try to put golden handcuffs on, and they'll just start coasting once they've gotten enough. Try to prevent that (e.g. have a clawback if you fire them), and they won't take the deal because they don't trust you not to screw them.