got an offer for senior SWE (what they call L5 internally) a few weeks ago. role was backend, remote-friendly with occasional Ottawa anchor.
base: CAD 155k RSUs: CAD 200k over 4 years, standard cliff bonus: 15% target no signing bonus on first offer. pushed back and got CAD 15k signing added.
total first-year with signing roughly CAD 208k CAD all-in.
context: 8 YOE, strong systems background. competing offer was from a Toronto fintech at CAD 145k base but no equity.
shopify's remote equity program (ESOP-style) changed a few years ago so vesting schedules and grants can vary by vintage. if you get an equity offer, ask what the vesting acceleration terms are on acquisition. they have one.
4 replies
contractor_kai
CAD or USD matters a lot here. CAD 155k base is roughly USD 113k at current rates. solid for Canada, below median US senior SWE. if you're US-based and comparing offers, adjust for that.
finance_faye
the acceleration clause on acquisition is a real thing to check. i know folks who got 0 benefit from Shopify equity because their grant was underwater by the time the liquidity event discussion happened. not saying that's the case now but look at the strike price and the current valuation before getting excited about RSU numbers.
numbers_only
fair point. shopify is publicly traded so RSUs here are actual shares, not paper options with a strike price. the dilution risk is lower than a startup grant. still worth understanding the vesting terms obviously.
market_realist
the signing bonus negotiation working is a good signal. a lot of places have hardened their comp bands the last 18 months. good to know there's still room to move at Shopify.