I make about $200k as a (mostly) developer, so I can give you a bit of guidance. First, constantly improve throughout your 20s. Learn a new (programming) langu

I make about $200k as a (mostly) developer, so I can give you a bit of guidance. First, constantly improve throughout your 20s. Learn a new (programming) language, read tech blogs, contribute to open source, etc. This will allow you to sharpen your skills and get into the top X% of the class. Understand operating systems, networking, security, plus higher level stuff (read CIO-focused magazines, technology strategy blogs, etc.) Volunteer for special projects at work whenever possible--these are often worth their weight in gold. Next, specialize. Go deep in one or two areas. Trends today are on mobility and security, but there are plenty of others. Depends on what you're passionate about, but try to get to the point where you're the smartest person you know in that topic. Oh yeah, you have to be passionate about it. You aren't a programmer, you're a creator of things. An artist isn't a "paintbrush mover", and you're certainly not a typist. Take it up a level. To be more strategic, get into financial services. A good percentage of developers make close to $200k after bonuses. Watch the firm though, some place like Goldman will have you working 18+ hrs a day. Live in an epicenter (San Francisco, LA, NYC, Seattle, and probably a few others). Ok, most important advice. Change jobs every 3 years. Most developers, no matter how good they are, don't get a 50% raise, but it wouldn't be hard to start around $60k, then jump to $85k, then to $110k, then to $140k. After bonuses at that higher level, you'll be close to $200k. Don't work 80 hr weeks more than a few times a year. Put in the time and the effort when it's needed, but if you make it a habit, it'll become expected. Work for a company where quality >> # of hours put in. If you're 20, generalize. If you're 25, specialize. If you're 30, take some risks. You'll soon be the "old guy" in the room. Write articles, books, talk at conferences, become an "industry expert" (hint: fake it till you make it) If you want to do consulting, as opposed to traditional work, you can get to $200k, but you'll probably need to bill out around $120/hr or so. You'll need to specialize in order to get a rate like that, or be available on-site, because whoever hires you would have to think you're better than 4 or 5 people in (insert-outsource-country-of-the-week). Finally, exploit LinkedIn. Get to know a few good recruiters. Get to know people in the industry who are "going places". Unfortunately, many of the best jobs out there aren't advertised, you have to know people to get in. That's all I've got. Good luck!