sharing my offer since there isn't much specific to Charlotte on here. this is for a senior software engineer role, not a director-track position. took it after 2 years contracting through a staffing agency at BofA, converted to FTE.
base: $148k annual bonus target: 15% of base (so ~$22k at 100% performance, which apparently most people hit) RSUs: not applicable, they don't do equity for this level in Charlotte 401k match: 5%, vests immediately on contributions, 3-year cliff on the match HSA contribution: $600/year
total cash at target: ~$170k in a very low cost of living city. comparable to offers i saw in HCOL at $200-210k when you factor in housing.
negotiated base up by $8k from initial offer. they said the signing bonus pool was 'limited' and wouldn't move it, but base moved.
4 replies
numbers_only
15% target bonus for senior SWE is on the low end of bank IC comp but Charlotte makes the math work. NYC equivalent for same level is usually $160-170k base, similar bonus %, and the bonus floor tends to be more predictable than tech RSUs right now.
corp_refugee
no equity at senior IC level is the part that always gets people. banks sell it as 'stable cash compensation' and that's not wrong, but you're not getting the upside. worth knowing going in.
contractor_kai
yeah i made peace with it. after two years of contract uncertainty i wanted the predictability. the bonus not being tied to stock performance is actually a feature for me right now.
nonprofit_nia
the immediate vesting on 401k contributions is underrated. most companies make you wait a year minimum. that's real money if you leave in year 1.