4 ms·
Ask HN: Did I get in cheap because of Visa?
About a year back I joined a startup in San Francisco which was acquired by one of the big four companies. I am on H1B visa and had 7 years of experience by that time. I accepted salary of $122,300 for Data Analytics Lead position.
Did I get in cheap because of H1 visa ? I am seeing hundreds of 22 yrs old getting more than $100k as starting salary. I am quite good at technical stuff, actively code and have fair understanding of business as well. I can't change job right now since in 6th yr of visa.
If I was American citizen would I have commanded more salary ? I see many posts going around for negotiation but what's effective strategy to negotiate when you are on visa.
- hackerboos 11y agoThe predicament of the H1B is that they've got you over the coals unless you can make them believe that you don't returning to your home country. 6 years on a H1B - can't you get a Greencard? Won't you have to leave the US for a year anyway after your 6th year? It's easy to read HN and think that everyone makes a boatload of money. I read that patio11 turned down a consulting gig that offers $750k a year. He must be one of only a handful of people to have an opportunity like that. It's certainly the exception, not the norm. The #TalkPay discussion has been quite good in bringing people back down to earth. Developers that I admire and are clearly better than me are earning not much more than I do and much less than the figure you have quoted. I'm going to have to call you out on the 'hundreds of 22 years olds earning more than $100k'. In the Valley, New York maybe - then again I can't see this being the majority.
- NhanH 11y ago>The #TalkPay discussion has been quite good in bringing people back down to earth. Developers that I admire and are clearly better than me are earning not much more than I do and much less than the figure you have quoted. Out of curiosity, since I was out of the loop about the whole #talkpay thing, which developers do you have in mind with that statement?
- hackerboos 11y agoJames Coglan was one of those that revealed figures. Just search on the hashtag to find more.
- zerr 11y agoAlso, lets not forget that patio11 made those figures while doing the work he didn't enjoy, and this would be even more non-enjoyable for more hardcore engineers here. We love making money with programming, not by marketing.
- uilogical 11y agoHi , Thanks for the comment. I am in the SF ( downtown). Also, GC is started by current company already. Given the location and other experience detail do you think I am underpaid ?
- hackerboos 11y agoI don't feel qualified to say without seeing a CV.
- chrisBob 11y agoIt is your employer's job to pay you a living wage that keeps you working there. Do you want a raise? Have you asked for one? I would frown upon an employer paying you less if you were an equal candidate, but if you are a non-native english speaker and they have to sponsor the visa then I think it is reasonable to pay you less because of the additional costs.