Microsoft 180k vs Amazon 191k (both in Seattle)? Which one to choose? (Poll)

Amazon
NCnz14

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NCnz14
Aug 4, 2020 14 Comments

MSFT: 210k in first year, and 175k in the following 3 years. So 180k on average. Level 61.

AMZN: 191k (L5 target). Newly promoted L5. 177k this year, but expect to hit target next year.

Moving to MSFT (non-Azure for sure) for better wlb. Consider benefits and 401k match, the pay is almost the same. Not sure if it’s worth it. AMZN uses cutting edge technologies, MSFT sounds kind of lame. Would it hurt my career?

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TOP 14 Comments
  • Amazon
    NCnz14

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    NCnz14
    OP
    12/12 voted for MSFT. Can someone elaborate? Is AMZN so bad?
    Aug 4, 2020 2
    • Indeed
      malqpwknd

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      malqpwknd
      Microsoft has the same weight as Amazon on a resume and has way better WLB.
      Aug 4, 2020
    • Amazon
      cnhU43

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      cnhU43
      As someone who has worked at both, yes, AMZN is that bad. I would gladly take a 10% cut to go back to MSFT. Also, the benefits make up for the difference. The 401k match itself makes up the difference in your offers.
      Aug 4, 2020
  • Google
    wicola

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    wicola
    “Amazon uses cutting edge technologies. Microsoft sounds kind of lame” — lol

    Neither of the companies uses cutting edge technologies. They both have found a great product market fit in various areas. Microsoft does have some great engineering teams and the brand equity for both the companies on a resume is identical.

    The question I ask is this - why would you want to move away from Amazon for 5k in additional pay? Surely it can’t just be the money. If you find out the reasons, it helps us vote a better choice for you.
    Aug 4, 2020 5
    • Google
      wicola

      Go to company page Google

      wicola
      The infrastructure at Google is way ahead of other companies I’ve worked at (3 of FAANGMULLA).

      The problem at Google is that, because of how advanced the systems are, most complicated things take medium effort. On a similar note, most simple things take medium effort too. We have an internal comic strip called “broccoli man” to make fun about this :)

      I feel productive and I enjoy the work I do despite all of this.
      Aug 4, 2020
    • Amazon
      NCnz14

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      NCnz14
      OP
      Thanks a lot @wicola! I failed Google interview this year, and will try next year.
      Aug 4, 2020
  • Google
    Kokowawa

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    Kokowawa
    Don’t forget that Microsoft has performance bonus and refreshers.
    Aug 4, 2020 0
  • Amazon
    consull

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    consull
    Op are you at AWS or CDO currently?
    Aug 4, 2020 2
  • Amazon
    CwvV45

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    CwvV45
    Agree with Indeed.
    Aug 4, 2020 0