FAANG companies pay significantly more than most tech companies. But understanding the actual numbers requires breaking down base salary, bonuses, and stock compensation.
This guide provides real salary data for FAANG software engineers in 2026.
| Level | Experience | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (L3/E3) | 0-2 years | $150K - $220K |
| Mid (L4/E4) | 2-5 years | $200K - $350K |
| Senior (L5/E5) | 5-8 years | $350K - $500K |
| Staff+ (L6+) | 8+ years | $450K - $800K+ |
Total compensation = Base + Bonus + Stock (RSUs)
| Component | What It Is | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Fixed annual pay | 30-50% |
| Bonus | Performance-based cash | 5-15% |
| Stock (RSUs) | Company shares | 30-50% |
Key insight: At senior levels, stock can exceed base salary—making total comp much higher than just base.
| Level | Title | Base | Bonus | Stock | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3 | SWE | $130K-$165K | $15K-$25K | $50K-$80K | $180K-$250K |
| L4 | SWE | $155K-$190K | $25K-$40K | $100K-$180K | $250K-$350K |
| L5 | Senior | $185K-$230K | $40K-$60K | $180K-$300K | $380K-$500K |
| L6 | Staff | $225K-$280K | $60K-$100K | $250K-$500K | $500K-$700K+ |
| Level | Title | Base | Bonus | Stock | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E3 | SWE | $120K-$150K | $15K-$25K | $80K-$120K | $200K-$280K |
| E4 | SWE | $165K-$200K | $30K-$50K | $150K-$250K | $320K-$450K |
| E5 | Senior | $205K-$250K | $50K-$80K | $250K-$400K | $450K-$600K |
| E6 | Staff | $250K-$300K | $80K-$120K | $400K-$700K | $700K-$1M+ |
| Level | Title | Base | Bonus | Stock | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L4 | SDE I | $110K-$145K | $10K-$20K | $30K-$60K | $150K-$200K |
| L5 | SDE II | $135K-$175K | $20K-$35K | $60K-$120K | $200K-$300K |
| L6 | Senior | $160K-$200K | $35K-$55K | $100K-$200K | $280K-$400K |
| L7 | Principal | $200K-$240K | $55K-$80K | $200K-$400K | $450K-$600K+ |
| Level | Title | Base | Bonus | Stock | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICT2 | SWE | $130K-$160K | $15K-$25K | $50K-$90K | $180K-$260K |
| ICT3 | SWE | $160K-$195K | $25K-$40K | $90K-$150K | $260K-$350K |
| ICT4 | Senior | $190K-$230K | $40K-$60K | $150K-$280K | $350K-$500K |
| ICT5 | Staff | $230K-$280K | $60K-$100K | $280K-$450K | $500K-$700K+ |
| Company | Base | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | $165-200K | $320-450K |
| $155-190K | $250-350K | |
| Amazon | $135-175K | $200-300K |
| Apple | $160-195K | $260-350K |
| Company | Base | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | $205-250K | $450-600K |
| $185-230K | $380-500K | |
| Amazon | $160-200K | $280-400K |
| Apple | $190-230K | $350-500K |
| Location | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Bay Area | 100% (baseline) |
| Seattle | 95-100% |
| NYC | 95-100% |
| Austin | 80-90% |
| Remote (US) | 80-95% |
| India/International | 40-60% |
Note: Many FAANG now offer location-based pay, not universal pay.
FAANG companies compete with each other. Multiple offers = leverage.
A $180K base with $150K stock is worth more than $220K base with no stock.
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Application | 1-2 weeks | Resume review |
| Phone Screen | 2-3 weeks | Technical assessment |
| Onsite | 1-2 weeks | Final interviews |
| Offer | 1-2 weeks | Comp negotiation |
| Decision | 1-2 weeks | Accept/negotiate |
Total: 4-8 weeks typically
Are these numbers accurate?
Based on 2024-2025 data and industry reports. Individual offers vary.
Do new grads really make $180K+?
At FAANG, yes—including stock and bonus. Base alone is lower (~$120-150K).
Which company pays the most?
Historically Meta, but Google and Amazon are competitive at senior levels.
Should I take the first offer?
Almost never. Always negotiate—FAANG expects it.
What about remote work?
Most FAANG have hybrid policies. Fully remote roles exist but are rarer.
To land FAANG offers:
Resources:
FAANG compensation is substantial but complex:
The key is understanding that base salary is just part of the package—stock compensation can double your total pay at senior levels.
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