Thanks for the data point. I also have been a programmer since 2008 or so and don’t think I’ve ever made that either. But I also have done a lot of unpaid programming interviews and/or take home assignments. And also generally have worked at places with strict Intellectual Monopoly assignment agreements. So that’s why I think this particular offer isn’t so bad.

$45K was the average going salary in 1999 for 2-3 years of experience in Atlanta as your bog standard corporate developer. The average salary for a college graduate now is $50K (https://www.thebalance.com/college-graduate-salaries-expecta...)

50k seems really low for new grads today even in Atlanta.

I conflated two numbers. Everyone was mentioning that $25 is twice the average wage in America (which is a little off). If you use what I feel is a more accurate baseline - the average wage of a college grad in any area across the country. $50K is a better number.