sharing mine since this is sparse for EA specifically.
role: senior software engineer (online services, not gameplay) location: Austin, TX (hybrid 3 days) level: roughly L5 equivalent base: $168k bonus: 15% target, paid out annually, apparently very tied to studio performance so real number varies RSUs: $120k over 4 years, cliff at 1 year, then quarterly total: ~$318k at target, call it $285-295k realistically in a normal year
no sign-on initially, i asked, they added $20k split across year 1 and 2.
comp is decent for Austin but not competitive with remote FAANG or the top-paying gaming companies (Riot, Valve, Roblox). the benefit is the work itself if you actually care about the titles. i do so i took it.
4 replies
contractor_kai
that studio-performance bonus caveat is worth flagging more loudly. EA has had some rough years on specific titles. if the game underperforms, the bonus can be well under target. i'd model it at 8-10% not 15% for budgeting purposes.
laidoff_lena
the sign-on ask working is a good data point. a lot of people are nervous to ask at EA because the JD usually says nothing about it. good to know that's negotiable.
numbers_only
very negotiable in my case. i had a competing offer, mentioned it without being dramatic about it, and they came back with sign-on same day. don't leave it on the table.
bootcamp_bri
genuinely helpful data point, thank you. this gives me a realistic anchor for what senior SWE looks like at EA. i'm still junior-level so the band will be different but at least i know the shape of it.