[quote=flu]Also, you don’t need to change your career to make $200k in CA, BTW kev. You just need to be at the top of your game. [/quote]

IMHO, there’s a little more to it than that.

First, let’s be realistic on how many are actually making over $200K.

Second, let’s be realistic why some of them that are making over $200K are making it.

Third, let’s be realistic on the form of that compensation.

Finally, let’s realistic on what it’s really going to take to make it.

1st, a small percentage of the people are making over $200K, even in tech. For every $200K person, there is an army of junior people, off-shore people, help desk people and others.

2nd, of those making over $200K, many are because of in demand skills, new skills or exploitative niche of old skills and personal connections. I know more than a few making that, that are stuck where they’re at.

3rd, many making over $200K are doing so because of equity participation in one form or another and combination of good company performance AND, job tenure (there long enough to cash in on that equity).

Finally, you got to work it. You have to actively work the compensation component of it, jumping ship when the comp isn’t there. You also have to work it and deliver. Don’t underestimate this one, deliver, deliver, deliver. Deliver when you said you would deliver. Deliver when no one thinks you can deliver.