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I think the best you can possibly do is 2x your current compensation as an engineer given ideal circumstances. The older engineers who make a ton are probably r

I think the best you can possibly do is 2x your current compensation as an engineer given ideal circumstances. The older engineers who make a ton are probably really good at job hopping and/or negotiating, in addition to working hard consistently and being smart. I also suspect they orchestrate situations where they work for managers who they have a good relationship with, so the chances they get promoted are greater. I think another key factor is they become a scarce resource to the company, i.e. the only person who really knows the entire stack, which gives them leverage. Another possible factor is day-to-day they prioritize visible work for which they'd get future recognition. One highly paid engineer I knew also seemed good at building relationships with everyone. The only way to truly beat the system financially is to get early equity in a startup that becomes very successful.

bbcbasic 12y ago
> The only way to truly beat the system financially is to get early equity in a startup that becomes very successful. Or ignore compensation as a route to wealth. Invest in real estate on the side. The job provides security. The investments create wealth in the more distant future.
umbs 12y ago
I am 35 yrs and have been working for 10yrs now. I make less than OP (various reasons). However, I have seen lots of engineers (young and old) make > $150K. In my industry (Networking) and in that group (S/W Engineers) $150K+ means being in top 10% earning bracket. You have accurately captured everything that makes these folks reach that bracket. Two things I want to rehash: (a) Working hard consistently and being smart: Consistency is the key and I cannot emphasize how essential it is. Please note that consistency != long hours and weekends. >> I also suspect they orchestrate situations where they work for managers who they have a good relationship with, so the chances they get promoted are greater. (b) Sometimes, its the other way round. Some managers attract, even 'poach', good engineers who worked with/for them in past. Thus, creating a familiar environment/culture in the team.

bbcbasic 12y ago

> The only way to truly beat the system financially is to get early equity in a startup that becomes very successful. Or ignore compensation as a route to wealth. Invest in real estate on the side. The job provides security. The investments create wealth in the more distant future.

umbs 12y ago

I am 35 yrs and have been working for 10yrs now. I make less than OP (various reasons). However, I have seen lots of engineers (young and old) make > $150K. In my industry (Networking) and in that group (S/W Engineers) $150K+ means being in top 10% earning bracket. You have accurately captured everything that makes these folks reach that bracket. Two things I want to rehash: (a) Working hard consistently and being smart: Consistency is the key and I cannot emphasize how essential it is. Please note that consistency != long hours and weekends. >> I also suspect they orchestrate situations where they work for managers who they have a good relationship with, so the chances they get promoted are greater. (b) Sometimes, its the other way round. Some managers attract, even 'poach', good engineers who worked with/for them in past. Thus, creating a familiar environment/culture in the team.