just got an offer and negotiated, sharing the numbers because i couldn't find recent data when i was calibrating.
role: senior software engineer II division: corporate technology location: NYC (hybrid, 3 days in office) base: $185k bonus: 15-20% target (discretionary, paid annually in february) RSUs: $120k over 4 years, even vest schedule total if bonus at target: roughly $220k-$230k depending on performance rating
negotiated base up $12k from initial offer. they had room, it just took one counter. they would not move on the RSU number.
fwiw i was coming from a contractor role so the math on switching to FTE was more involved. the benefits package at JPMC is genuinely good (health, 401k match, employee banking perks), which moves the needle more than people factor in when comparing to a raw contractor rate.
5 replies
numbers_only
that base is right in line with what i've seen for NYC SE-II at JPMC in 2025-2026. comp is lower than FAANG for equivalent level but the stability and benefits close the gap for a lot of people, especially if you're coming from a volatile environment. did they mention a comp review cycle?
contractor_kai
yes, annual review in december with adjustments effective january. first-year reviews are prorated if you join mid-year. my recruiter said merit increases have been in the 3-5% range for 'meets expectations' and higher for top performers, but that's what every company says so i'm filing it as 'to be seen.'
returner_ren
the february bonus timing is worth noting. if you're weighing a JPMC offer against leaving your current job, the bonus payout date can significantly affect the math of when to actually start. most people don't think about that until it's too late.
market_realist
they wouldn't move on RSUs at all? i've heard that's common at big banks, they treat equity as fixed. did you try asking for a sign-on instead?
contractor_kai
i did ask about sign-on. they offered $20k sign-on (1-year clawback if i leave) when i pushed on RSUs. i took it. not as clean as more equity but it worked.