It depends on the numbers involved too. Many companies give you a market rate and a bonus (sign on / stock RSU/ cash bonus etc) on top of it to incentivize ext

It depends on the numbers involved too. Many companies give you a market rate and a bonus (sign on / stock RSU/ cash bonus etc) on top of it to incentivize extra work / ownership. My case: my base salary is pretty competitive considering the market/location. I also get a stock award on top of that based on my future potential / current work etc. For me, the stock component has been a reasonable contributor to the final net take home. Essentially: you work hard, you can potentially make 2x-3x your base and this multiplier only goes up as you go up levels. I am not against discretionary bonuses like the above (obviously :). Come for the base, toil for the bonus.