Do software engineering managers make more than software engineers?

Re:Do software engineering managers make more than software ... by bsvalley on Sunday August 12, 2018 @08:26PM (#17747264)

Here is a ratio for you (from personal experience). Yes, about 70% of the time. No, about 30% of the time. I am referring to annual base salary exclusively. When it comes to full package, the ratio looks more like 50/50.

Most likely, a manager will have a higher annual base salary versus lower RSU/stock grant. Again, this is not true all the time but RSU's are used in order to retain talents. Managers are very replaceable compared to experienced engineers. If you're easily replaceable but you have a lot more pressure, your annual salary will most likely be high and your RSU's will be good, not amazing.

When it comes to annual bonuses, managers win by far... I'd say it's a 80% to 20% ratio.

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Re:Do software engineering managers make more than software ... by PinballWizard on Monday August 13, 2018 @01:40AM (#17748214)

I think this varies wildly. I know if a few Rockstar managers that get paid higher than their individual contributors. If they have a proven track record of getting their team to perform and ship product.

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Re:Do software engineering managers make more than software ... by bsvalley on Monday August 13, 2018 @03:41AM (#17748585)

Sure, which is why I used a ratio to describe the difference. There are indeed a lot of managers who make a lot more than their direct reports. It is not always true. Base salaries would most likely have a higher cap than IC’s, stock grants are based on how replaceable you are within the organisation, then annual bonuses are usually based on the company annual results, your business impact (and a percentage of your base salary) which is why managers usually get higher bonuses. I agree it varies a lot since not all companies offer RSU’s, annual bonuses, etc.

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