I haven’t updated my Blind info in quite a few years, so for the purpose of this post assume I am an industy hire SDE1 who started at Amazon Alexa in Boston 1 year ago. This is my second pure software gig and I have 5-7 relevant YOE non-dev before then. I interviewed for L4, tried to push it to L5 but was downleveled to L4 with a decent TC. Now I am 1 year in, have performed well and my promo doc to L5 has been submitted. As someone high on the L4 band, what should I realistically expect when it comes to the TC numbers for my new role as L5 engineer. If i get bumped to bottom of “L5 band” well I’m pretty sure I’m already there. Thoughts and experiences from anyone that has gone through a similar process at Amazon or other FAANG? ps: Amazon isn’t so bad of you have a good team/local management. Vacation/timeoff and fringe benefits are out there on the right teams. TC: 185k 140 base 40k/30k sign on 55 RSU update: TCT raised to 205k via promo to L5
Your base salary is pretty high for an L4 SDE. I wouldn't expect a big bump unless you're a TT this year.
Any advice for L4s wanting to promo?
Kick a little ass and work on good visible projects as much as possible. Be at least OK with politics. If things aren’t working where you are maybe consider a different team at Amazon.
Your sign on won't change. Small bump in base and maybe a couple stocks. Since you're already high for L4, I'd guess maybe 190k - 200k. Promo usually doesn't result in a huge pay increase at Amazon.
So when does comp increase if not during promotions? Is it all in the refreshers?
Comp doesn't increase much at Amazon. There is no reward for loyalty until you hit L7-ish. The bands for software engineers are so wide and the pay structure so weird that there is no financial incentive to stay long term unless you are a high level.
You’re going to the bottom of the band, which is almost where you are
Sorry to hijack but follow up, say you only get 5-10K bump and OPs TC becomes 185k -> 195K. Now, how to reach in middle of the L5 band? What are the ways?
If you're getting promoted within the same company without a top performance rating you would just land up in the lower band of the next level. Get better ratings for higher package or switch company.
I would expect 210-220
This would be nice, either way I’ll report back when I find out!
205k, all base.