I am a Senior Manager of Software Engineering and lead architect at a small company (was a startup with < 10 employees when I joined, now has > 50). I am the most senior technical person in the company (we don't have a CTO, I report to the COO), even though I only have 4.5 YOE. By God's grace I have been able to succeed in the role, but feel that I am underpaid and would like your input.

Base: 122k, no equity

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At a smaller company, that sounds about right - possibly overpaid. You could likely get a higher salary in a larger company, but there's a good chance you wouldn't have the same title and responsibilities considering your YOE.

In smaller companies, you often end up with more significant titles and responsibilities, but it's not directly transferrable to larger companies that might pay more. The working environments are significantly different and require different skill sets, as larger companies have a lot more moving parts.

There are too many different variables here to give you a good answer, though, as you can see from the variety of answers you're getting. You should probably have negotiated equity earlier, though.

likehelpful

Great advice. Also, I’d add, - do you like your job, daily environment, are you challenged? My experience in small companies is that you get more responsibility and learn so much more. It’s valuable for many reasons. Holding all that knowledge also makes you valuable, so in the current climate (global downturn) weigh up risk/ advantages of negotiating equity ( not salary bump) vs. risk to employment. A pal of mine was eliminated from her highly paid job in the company she founded, as the new CEO found her role to be entirely dispensable. It was a NFP.

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I would say underpaid, and at the very least get some equity.

likehelpfulfunny

Sorry, but if you’re the CTO and the most knowledgeable person in a technical function at the moment, you get to say what’s on the table. Obviously use that power wisely and diplomatically, but know that the leverage is there. If you’ve directly contributed to the overall success of the company at that level, and they eventually get acquired or go public, there’s no reason you shouldn’t benefit. Stick to your guns.

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I'm making $130K as a PM2 of consumer software products in a Midwest, mid-sized-city market. I would say you're underpaid regardless of market. I'd expect $150K minimum without equity, possibly +/- $200K. Best way to find out is to test the waters by applying to other opportunities and seeing what you're offered.

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For sure underpaid if no equity.

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Seems low to me but it depends on location. If you are in a major city, I’d expect somewhere between 150k - 180k for senior, with some kind of equity package (assuming startup).

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Actually, I was wrong. The area I'm in really has a little over 1 million people including the surrounding counties.

Based upon your experience of 4.5 years, you are overpaid. Senior level dev exp is 7 to 10 years.

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We all know technical ability has little to do with years of experience. I would say you should be paid 145k plus some kind of bonuses/equity

helpful

I should have mentioned this in the original post, but if you think I am underpaid, would you mind including what salary range you would expect for my role? Much appreciated :)

likehelpful

Almost certainly underpaid, would have to know where you/the company are located to give more info

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Agreed. You’re under paid for your rule no matter where you live in the US.

helpful

Startups usually provide equity because you joined the company at early stage when no one believed in the company. I’d ask for equity if you feel and think you’ll be there for a while. Otherwise, plenty of other job opportunities in tech.

likehelpful

No equity at a startup helping make CTO level decisions?! They got you for a steal. Leave now and go to FAANG for 3x TC or get your equity/more salary.

likehelpful

I was in the same position but with more years of experience. Eventually I got tired of waiting for the company to fulfill their promises. Got a job at Apple for 2.5 x TC

likehelpful

200k+

likehelpful

122 is underpaid for a snr period. No equity is a slap in the face. Ask for $350tc or leave there is 0 upside to your position. Either company makes it, you have no skin in the game, or company fails and you get screwed or worse. Company slowly grows and you make a jr salary for the next 10 years

likehelpful

I’d say underpaid 180-200k base with equity

helpful

It seems they don’t value you. Severely under paid. And the fact that they don’t want to give you any equity is a gut punch. I’d get out of there if you aren’t able to negotiate a better comp package

helpful

As an entry level engineer, my comp is 120k with stock options (not located in a major city). You are severely underpaid.

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Where are you based

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ya so that’s def not enough for New Yorks of the world but the market could vary … however in these remote days I feel confidently you could easily do better elsewhere

Ask for more

Joined a startup without an equity comp incentive? Eek

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