I'm curious if a band 9 at IBM is truly equivalent to level 65 at MS or L5/L6 at Google. Anyone leave IBM and go to a company on levels.fyi? Were the levels shown on the website what you experienced?
Yes, this is true. Expect one or two levels down. Even when you are downleveled, the TC on the new company is higher than IBM
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The level may be equivalent, but the compensation is not. You will get down-levelled to L5/63 from band 9. Keep in mind that most developers in IBM get to band 8 and stay there for most of their careers. I have seen a Distinguished Engineer (Band D, one higher than Band 10) get down-levelled to L7 at Google, although at executive band level at IBM the salaries are more comparable to higher tier companies.