Perhaps the 374 people that filled out the survey isn’t necessarily representative of the oh couple of thousand of employees at one employer alone? The numbers seem pretty low versus reality. The reports usually do not include bonuses.
[quote]One more thing about engineers – they tend to be predominantly male. So, the idea of a typical engineer making 150K is merely far-fetched, but the idea of a typical educated DINK couple making 300k borders on science fiction.[/quote]
You know this is going to sound sort of racist, but it’s really not that uncommon for your asian wife to have a masters or phd in either EE/CS or dual degreed and/or medicine.
Consider this. What does it take for someone to come over here to the states on an H1-B? Yup, and engineering degree is usually the least path of resistance. And regarding H1-B’s being intentionally underpaid..I can’t comment for every company, but I’ve found that at least the ones that I’ve worked with, the compensation was on par if not more with anyone else that gets hired.
A second question would be I would be curious for know…How many dual income families are such that the wife actually earns more than the hubby. I don’t think it’s quite uncommon these days. Wifey could be a enginerd, an attorney, doctor, etc.
Anyway, it’s really beside the point. One’s financial situation really varies depending on various things. I don’t think you can rule out there is a group of people out there on the sidelines with deep(er) pockets.
Back on topic….The only difference that I sort of see in SD is at least right now, we haven’t seen massive unemployment yet. I think back in the 90ies, SD being heavy defense, that was a problem when the defense spending was suddenly cut short. We haven’t seen that quite yet (key word yet).
It would be nice to have a vacation home off of la jolla shores though.
