Guys, I keep pounding my head to get an estimate on what’s the equivalent of 140k salary in atlanta to that of Bay Area. I’m a senior SRE and making ~135-145k(based on performance and yearly bonus) with 8 yoe. I have been approached by few recruiters from Bay Area from FAANG and non-faang companies, they mentioned the salary base+rsu+10% bonus(approx) to ~ 220-250k. Is it worth the move? I know I still need to get through the interview. Have my wife but she ain’t working, planning for kids may be in the next 2 years or so. A friend of mine who was in a similar boat an year back, joined a faang, he moved to a new job which he makes close to 300k now (was ~200k before). Following are the factors which convince me to think 250k salary in Bay is pretty good. - I Pay 1800$ for 2bhk and expect it to be 3500$ in bay. I.e., I need ~ 30k more of my salary, just to live the same way in bay and anything else are savings. Even though, taxes are high, I still can save 30k/year more than what I’m doing in atlanta with that salary. - No growth or moving opportunities in atlanta, I’m sure, can pass the 300-350k mark in bay, if I get through 250k now. - not planning to buy a home for at least 3-5years. I can get a townhome or single family now in atlanta, but that’s not the priority. Please let me know your thoughts and am I interpreting anything wrong or not foreseeing something? My main motivation is brand name and salary, I would say if things doesn’t workout in Bay, can always come back to a less expensive city with having FAANG in my resume and still get paid well. Tagging 3 companies as there’s a limit but appreciate if others can chip in
Do it. The Bay is an amazing place and you'll learn a ton. This is your chance, before a mortgage chains you to one location for years. Personally, I like the Bay even better than NYC although I'm definitely enjoying NYC now. Just don't count illiquid stock options as part of your comp when you move to the Bay. Illiquid RSU's are better, but still dubious. You at least don't have to worry about losing money with RSU's, which can happen when you buy stock options at strike price. Ideally, join a public company or pre-IPO SaaS company like Stripe, Airbnb, Uber, Lyft etc. Otherwise, don't count illiquid stock comp as part of your TC or projected savings.
Thanks for the motivation !
You have 8 YOE, so personally I believe you should pull more than 250K is the Bay Area. It sounds like a lot (I grew up not too far from you), but those prices up there will eat your $ quick! IMO, you won’t get the brand name, skills, or comp that you’ll get the Bay Area, but you just can’t beat having space and a house and a comfortable standard of living at that age ( I imagine you’re in your 30s). Stay in Atlanta (but if you can get a competitive offer to up your salary... 🤷🏽♂️)
Thanks for the reply, the concern I see with recruiters pumping more salary is gonna be, I coming from a relatively not so reputed company and so I believe first job in Bay I’m ok With 250k, while I will still negotiate if I have my cards playing well. But I’m ready to take the initial salary hit and continue to move ahead with different companies in 1-2 years and can have that salary pumped may be more than 300k. I don’t see why not if I can get through 250k now.
Btw some people on Blind don't seem to know how to spend money. If you live in SF/Oakland, don't bother bringing a car to the Bay. After taxes and rent, your cost of living should be <20% higher.
One more thing: I'd rather have an average income in an extraordinary place than an extraordinary income in an average place. No one else on Blind seems to feel that way, so they'll tell you not to move to the Bay.
Wait...the Bay is more extraordinary than ATL? 👀 I mean..I get it (SV, Facebook, google, mountains, ocean, etc). But have you been to ATL? That’s so incredibly subjective. But like I said...I get it
10% adjustment for state tax (though I don't know difference for GA, WA has 0 state income tax), plus 20-30k extra for rent Math changes if you're hoping to buy a home or if you rent a nicer place in a better location If you can get a bump of 50k+ then 100% do it, even not taking into account growth opportunity
50k bump from atlanta excluding the rent difference, is it what you are saying?
50k bump even with the rent difference should be fine (should make up for rent difference/CoL plus any tax difference, though lack of opportunity to buy a home and necessity of renting puts you slightly behind on the savings/wealth accumulation side) That being said, you should be able to get even more than a 50k bump
Frankly with that salary I'd stay in Atlanta. That's great for here, I already don't know what to do with my cash usually at the end of the month. I can't even fathom 140k. Someday I hope I can get there ...
But the mobility across companies with pay increase is comparatively less in atlanta and good for settling down or someone not trying to be ambitious. May be moving vertically is the only way to bump the base.
Meh. You're already making quite a bit and at the right companies you can exceed 200k easy. It's my opinion, but I personally wouldn't move to the Bay area or CA in general. Too much bullshit.
Consider total cost of living, not just rent. EVERYTHING will be substantially more expensive in SF than in ATL
https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/moving-cost-of-living-calculator.aspx According to this calculator $140K in ATL = $247K in SF
250k should be comparable if you don't care about home ownership. It's a hard decision to make but as someone in Atlanta, there really are more opportunities in the bay. However, if you want to own a home with a family, even $350k isn't going to cut it. You will live much more comfortable in ATL. It's all comes down to whether you prioritize your career vs standard of living.
Thanks, as mentioned getting a home ain’t my preference yet, I would want to work hard and get something saved for about 5years and go back to a decently rated COL city.
We have enough Indians here in Bay Area already.
Thanks for your reply. Have been there in Bay few times, I personally like it. Why do you say 250k is a no-no?