I think SpaceX and Tesla do actually have a reputation for low pay compared to other major tech companies. I think it might be similar to game companies where

I think SpaceX and Tesla do actually have a reputation for low pay compared to other major tech companies. I think it might be similar to game companies where people are attracted to the work itself (whether it’s because they’re True Believers in Musk or because electric cars and space are cool, not sure, probably mostly the latter). This lets the company pay less for the same level of talent, since the work is in itself a form of compensation (as perceived by the people who accept the jobs for lower pay).