[volgo]

That's wild... As much as I love to complain about the bay area, being able to go upwards of $500k for an individual contributor keeps me here. Even taking into account of increased medical costs and crappy public transport, still very much worth it. Don't think there's any place it on Earth that pays this much

[koenbok]

It's good to have a place like that. It's hard that it can take much more then you wish for, from not feeling productive all the way to taking all of the fun out of building. Watch out for that if you can. Also, Berlin is a pretty awesome place pushing some very cool things, both in and outside of venture tech.

[quickthrower2]

But if you want or need 500k I’m guessing your list of potential companies to work for is small, and you’d have to work for a FAANG style co.

[TheDom]

Not necessarily, the market is very competitive here. But to get to $500k TC as an IC (<= L5), your company will have to do well to increase the value of your grants by ~50-100%. But that is not uncommon or unrealistic.

[giantg2]

"... upwards of $500k for an individual contributor ..."

Sucks that I suck.

Edit: Why are you down voting? I suck and will never make that sort of money.

[mrich]

What would be the job description/daily tasks of an individual contributor with such compensation?

[giantg2]

Be able to code better than God.

Then give God's code a review.