This dataset was created from the one collected here on HN. This was a semi-manual work, but we managed to make it somewhat uniform.
I think Indeed also collects voluntary salary data, but I don't know any other sources off the top of my head.
It's useful for people to be able to self-assess, I think. It helps round out your assessment of a) where you are in your career, b) where you are in your field, c) question if you're satisfied.
I'm not sure it's something that should be forced on people, but it's nice to know it's there if you go looking. Once somebody's looking for answers like that, then usually there is dissatisfaction already rooted... or just plain curiosity. Nothing wrong with curiosity.
But where it's largely against the rules, or a faux pas, to discuss salaries with coworkers, it can be hard to gauge your situation if it's a concern.
1. How to measure a credibility of data people submit?
2. How to take into account ageing of data? E.g. due to inflation.
Lately it's been a little surprising for me what I make vs market rates. I knew I make a little on the low end, but over the weekend doing some salary comparisons on Glassdoor I discovered I was making much less (to the order of 15 to 60%) than more similar roles and contractors in other departments in the same field, and probably the equivalent of interns or just above throughout the company...
It's good to have some data