How much does Amazon pay SDEs on work visas?

Amazon
sscruz

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sscruz
Nov 4, 2019 7 Comments

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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TOP 7 Comments
  • Amazon
    Helloweed🎃

    Go to company page Amazon

    Helloweed🎃
    Because they are desperate and do whatever it takes to get there
    Nov 4, 2019 0
  • Amazon
    sscruz

    Go to company page Amazon

    sscruz
    OP
    Points #1 and #2 from Spartucus are convincing arguments to me. Point #3 not as much - I don’t think education or experience matter much in software. If you can demonstrate your knowledge there’s a job for you.

    I’m really more wondering if everybody is on the same pay scale though. Anybody in a position to confirm that?
    Nov 4, 2019 2
    • Google / Mgmt
      Ex Amazon

      Go to company page Google Mgmt

      PRE
      Amazon
      Ex Amazon
      Yes. Have managed careers, performance and compensation of at least 100 Amazonians in diverse teams and roles. Same pay scale. Zero discrimination or differences noticed. People might have comp differences due to variety of reasons but visa status or international origin is not one. Basically, that's illegal.
      Nov 4, 2019
    • Amazon
      sscruz

      Go to company page Amazon

      sscruz
      OP
      Thanks, good to know
      Nov 4, 2019
  • Amazon
    Spartucus

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    Spartucus
    I'm an international and I think there are a few reasons for many internationals
    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.
    Nov 4, 2019 0
  • Splunk
    iZ5nJL

    Go to company page Splunk

    iZ5nJL
    The pay is the same because it's legally required to be so. Amazon does nothing out of the goodness of their heart. Sponsoring foreign workers has a benefit that is greater than what can be gained from domestic talent, generally speaking. It's not a charity. They're getting something from foreign workers that they can't get so easily from domestic ones.

    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.
    Nov 4, 2019 0
  • Google / Mgmt
    Ex Amazon

    Go to company page Google Mgmt

    PRE
    Amazon
    Ex Amazon
    Supply and demand.
    Nov 4, 2019 0