[fooker]

>Ok so you’re in a hot sub-field.

Compilers. Not hot, but a bit niche so it sometimes pays well. Not any more than ML or distributed systems specialists.

>Your experience is not typical even at the companies you’ve named

You can check levels.fyi for averages, don't have to rely on my word.

>Your average Leetcode drone that makes it into those companies is making $300k after 5 years.

You are right. So, now the question is: given you are not an 'average leetcode drone' do you work in the US or Europe. I hope this clarifies why competent European computer scientists and engineers move to the US in large numbers.