In the USA, obviously SF against NYC, you need to get information from Americans. I can't help you.
In case anyone wonders: inter-continental comparison are worthless so don't bother. It's [almost] impossible for Europeans to get VISA to work in the USA, and even if they get one they won't have the leverage to get the top range salaries.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I'm based here and making those comparisons myself.
Specifically, NYC has both finance and tech. For developers (not quants), big tech pays better.
Finance you're typically looking at $180k total comp.
It's easy to get $200k for ANYONE in the NYC/SF. Please re-read the first message from ceras that started this conversation:
"How does high performer compensation compare to high performer compensation at tech companies (who start at, say, $400K-$500k for what I'll call "entry-level high performer")?"
$200k is absolutely achievable, but claiming that ANYONE (and EVERYONE?) is getting it is farcical. The vast majority of developers are making less than that.
The notion that entry-level developers are getting $400k-500k is a joke. Not even quants start at that.
----
Since you'd apparently like to be an asshole about markets you know nothing about, I'm done with this conversation.
$200k is a classic "senior" package. It's good but it's nothing outstanding.
No offense intended but finance comp doesn't stop at $180k, you're not looking at the right place or you don't have the profile.
Yes.
You're right that European developers (even at the big 4) make far less. My comparison was more with SF/NYC salaries, where big 4 developers will easily break $200k and reach $250k without excessive effort.