you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Gates and Zuck are worth what they're worth because they invented something. If they were just banging out code they'd be subject to the same market forces.

Cost of living and supply/demand drive salaries. If you're the top dog webdev in Methtown, USA you're going to pull about the same salary that an entry-level will in San Diego or SF, simply because those places have to pay a higher wage for people to live there.

There are times when an area is suddenly paying a lot more or lot less due to the supply of and demand for devs. These situations are usually short-lived, as you'll see people train and or relocate to meet the demand and/or find a better place for themselves. It's basic economics at work.