Fair enough, but most of us are not getting RSUs. Base salary is total comp, excepting things like 401(k) and HSA contributions.

Hmm, is this true? Do you have data for that? Big swathe of people who don’t get liquid RSUs: contractors, startup employees. Big swathe of people who do: all FTEs of large public companies (banks, tech, health care, etc).

I suppose I’ve convinced myself that it might be true that “most” applies, but it’s a close call in my very back of the envelope analysis. :)

I have been an FTE in multiple F500 companies and been in a position to have insight into the compensation of many others and none of them received stock compensation except into their 401(k).

My current employer (large public company) has a "deal" where I can buy company stock for something like a 5% discount.

>all FTEs of large public companies (banks, tech, health care, etc)

I very much doubt that is true.