Average base salary: what SHOULD it be for software engineers in the US? /u/EastCommunication689 CSCQ protests reddit

There’s been a lot of concern recently about tech companies trying to suppress wages but I’m wondering if we are on same page about how much a software engineer SHOULD make.

As I see it, if we don’t assert and defend the value of our labor, we are ultimately forcing the companies to decide: and companies always wants the product “good enough” at the cheapest possible price.

So, how much should a software engineer be paid on average?

Are we paid too much? Are we paid too little? Is the current average market price correct? Why?

If salaries were to change drastically overnight (in either direction) would you be able to defend your original stance even if employers says otherwise?

There’s been a lot of concern recently about tech companies trying to suppress wages but I’m wondering if we are on same page about how much a software engineer SHOULD make.

As I see it, if we don’t assert and defend the value of our labor, we are ultimately forcing the companies to decide: and companies always wants the product “good enough” at the cheapest possible price.

So, how much should a software engineer be paid on average?

Are we paid too much? Are we paid too little? Is the current average market price correct? Why?

If salaries were to change drastically overnight (in either direction) would you be able to defend your original stance even if employers says otherwise?