Linux Systems Engineer Salaries

Question

Curious what you guys are making, I work at an trading firm (think Jump, IMC, DRW, HRT, Virtu, etc...).

I have ~8 years of experience with Linux specific roles (admin, engineer, etc...), with the last year of those at my current firm. This past year is my only real year in fintech though.

I make ~$125k base salary with ~12% bonus. I've spoken with a few colleagues, a bunch of recruiters, and done a fair amount of reading and I know I am WAYYYY underpaid. The lowest salary I've seen for what I do is ~$180k. Most seem to be around ~$230k, with some exceptions for senior architects way beyond that.

In any case, I like where I am at and want to ask for a raise. With the information I have, I feel like shooting for ~$200k is reasonable, but quite a large jump. I perform exceptionally well, and literally work enough to have 2 full time jobs.

Is that a reasonable ask? How are y'all compensated?

Jejnababshaiaj17717 · Accepted Answer

I hope you get it, but that would be a shocking raise. It sounds like you need to look for another job if you want to get paid 200k+. Most company can’t afford that salary and wouldn’t be comfortable with that kinda raise.

jackdarson · Answer

Not unreasonable ask. But you have no leverage. Offer in hand helps

eightysixer · Answer

An important thing to understand at trading firms and banks is most of them subscribe to a front/mid/back office mentality. https://allaboutfinancecareers.com/banking/front-office-middle-office-and-back-office-explained/?expand_article=1

Your role is likely explicitly classified as middle or back office. If so, you're going to have a hard time getting large raises, as most of the raise/promotion budget goes towards the front office. The explicit strategy with the back office is to pay the bare minimum it costs to keep things running - that's why you're underpaid and doing two jobs. They don't want the best talent here, just talent that is "good enough."

Honestly, if maximizing your salary is your primary goal, you will need to go to a proper tech-forward company. However, you will likely trade some job stability as a result (see: the last ~18 months of tech layoffs). For non-tech companies, your salary is decent for a medium cost of living locale IMO.

Linux Systems Engineer Salaries

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