When I started at Amazon in Seattle I was surprised to learn that I am the only American-born SDE out of 11 in my org. I don’t know everyone’s immigration status but I think everyone else is on a work visa.
I am wondering if this is because it is easier to recruit internationally, or because it is cheaper to pay international workers, or both?
As SDE II, I started at $150k +$30k first year bonus and 3 stock units year one. Years 2-4 of my signing agreement were $150k with + varying comparable combinations of bonus and stock incentive.
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I’m really more wondering if everybody is on the same pay scale though. Anybody in a position to confirm that?
1. We've had a lot of internationals from early-2000s. These managers are more likely to recommend their peers from their country vs peers in America so more and more join. They are also more likely to relate to people from their country than others (this is true for both Americano or any other race in general)
2. Many internationals know that their peers don't want to go back so they are less likely to complain about WLB. My dad himself works 8-8 daily and even schedules calls during vacation. He doesn't think he works long and here I am calling for 40-hr work weeks. You get better 'bang' for the buck.
3. I've realized many of them finish college, maybe work for some time then come to US for a masters then get a job. Most companies don't care about international experience. So compare an international with a master + 3 years experience vs an American who just graduated with a bachelor's. The former clearly wins.
You met or raised the bar, you're an intelligent person. Why do you think Amazon would sink as much money as they have into sponsoring foreign workers if they pay them the exact same amount? Think like Dread Lord Bezos.