Why great programmers don’t make as much money as soccer stars?

Re:Why great programmers don’t make as much money as soccer ... by helveticaman on Friday December 05, 2008 @10:55AM (#387110)

I'd guess that, as percentiles go, programmers make much more money than soccer players. Sure, there are stars like Ronaldo that make more than almost anyone here, but he's up against Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why great programmers don’t make as much money as soccer ... by josefresco on Friday December 05, 2008 @03:24PM (#387483)

I would imagine soccer salary levels fall dramatically once you drop below the very top of the sport. Unlike programmers which can be far from the top (Gates? bad example) but still make a reasonable living.

Does anyone know a low level soccer player who makes a decent middle class living? Is there a working 'minor-leagues' for the soccer world?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Why great programmers don’t make as much money as soccer ... by ms01 on Friday December 05, 2008 @04:14PM (#387538)

You can look at Major League Soccer in the US. David Beckham makes $6.5 million/year and the median salary for all players is $53,000. Lowest salary for developmental players is $13,000.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=427678&...

$53k a year is probably not too bad unless you live in expensive areas, but it's really not a lot considering that the length of your career is probably less than ten years.

[ Parent | on HN ]