Definitely true that the median can't expect to earn much. In fact, looking at the data, we can see that about 70% exit with only their salaries (typically unde

Definitely true that the median can't expect to earn much. In fact, looking at the data, we can see that about 70% exit with only their salaries (typically under $100k). Like we say in the summary, since all the value is in the tail, an individual should be thinking in terms of 'what are my chances of creating a new DropBox or AirBnB' i.e. revolutionising an industry. The problem is, no-one knows who exactly that's going to be. This post shows that getting into YC provides some useful information. It shows you're now in a reference class of ppl who can be expected to earn millions of dollars per year (although the median is still zero). Beyond that, there's lots more to consider when judging whether to become a tech entrepreneur e.g. are you exceptionally technically able, gritty, able to accept risk, in possession of a potentially huge idea etc. If you got into YC but it's clear you'll never be Drew Houston, then your expected outcome is probably still pretty low.