[user5994461]

>>> Day rates for contractors seem to vary a lot, but 400 - 600 a day, maybe? The contracting scene is still adapting to recent tax law changes, though.

Contracting has taken a massive hit with COVID and with the change in tax rate, that both happened almost at the same time.

Contracting was definitely the way to make it in London. You could charge £500-1000 easily a decade ago with very little taxes. Depends on the skillset. I think that was made it on-par with what you could make in the Silicon Valley and NYC depending on the exchange rate (2016 Brexit really hurt).

Some commenters may rightfully point out that it's not as high as L6 compensation, but it's much easier to get and you don't have to spend $60k for a year of college or a day in a hospital (that's the number one of my US coworker quoted for his daughter).

[thawayuk]

L6 at FAANG, never went to college and numerous other engineers at my level and across the company haven’t either. Also never spent a penny on health care in the US. Fully covered with Kaiser and company plan I am in 30’s, so maybe due to few issues, but health coverage is good.

Also, worked in London and TC of £500k+ was possible for an L6 after 4 years of refreshers and performance multiplier. Knew a few peers on packages closer to $1MM. Definitely possible, but maybe this is a small select group. FAANG are generally growing in London though. Easier to find talent than in the US right now.

[ghaff]

At most US companies, certainly one of any size, you'll pay something for healthcare in terms of contributions to your insurance plan and deductible/co-pays. But the amounts are capped. The $60K may have been the "list price" pre-insurance for a hospital stay.

And while the list price of private schools may get into the quoted range, 1.) Relatively few people pay the list price and 2.) There are (often good) state schools which, while not free, are a lot cheaper especially for in-state residents.

[chrisseaton]

> maybe this is a small select group

Obviously anyone at FAANG is going to be at the absolute top of their field internationally so yeah select group.

[hogFeast]

The £ is trading at roughly the level where it was pre-Brexit.