How Much I Make As A Principal Engineer At Amazon (EXACT Amount)

Sharing income details is taboo, but it shouldn't be. In this video I'll cover exactly how much money I make, but more importantly, how I think about income.
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00:00 Introduction
03:20 Non-wage Income
07:28 Wage Income
09:35 Story
12:26 Taxes
13:40 Conclusion

[@jm-alan]

Standing ovation for actually answering the "How much do you make?" question in the first 60 seconds of the video rather than clickbaiting us into a 20-minute video where you dance around the subject before saying "you can probably figure it out" Obviously, you're under no obligation to disclose this information at all, but the fact that you did, so plainly and matter-of-factly, is definitely appreciated.

[@therealdrag0]

OTOH: He lead with a very large number implying it was "his" and only later does it turn out this is his combined house-hold income including his spouse's income and a large amount (~1/3 total!!) form crypto investments not from his Amzn job at all. I'm guessing most people are like me in anticipating his Amzn wage, which is about half of the total income baited at the beginning.

[@jm-alan]

@@therealdrag0 That's completely valid. He also makes it pretty clear that, relative to their perspectives and values, his and his wife's incomes may as well be considered together, as they make their major financial decisions together and functionally operate as a unit. I, personally, was sufficiently satisfied with the initial 60 seconds of the video, as I'm also an SDE at AWS and know that principal engineer base salary doesn't climb much above what I make now, and know how $AMZN has been performing of late.

[@tenzinlee6393]

He answered the question at 8:40.

[@bobby9568]

Lol title should be: How I MADE

[@NathanHedglin]

This.

[@leetcoderafeeq2641]

This isn't upsetting, this is inspirational!

[@miguelito0o]

These days, there's too many overgrown children that can't withstand seeing someone is doing better than them. I blame poor parenting when raising those children.

[@akunalana6370]

Comparison is the thief of joy like he said in the beginning of the video

[@Johnydrumbola]

@@miguelito0o You can all be hypocrite and pretend not to be upset of the reality that the proposition that all men are created equal is untrue. Some men are just born with talent and some are not. Of course it upsets me that for over 20 years now I've worked mostly 6 days a week and I can't even afford to own a house and cannot even replace my 15 years old car while the people I serve makes hundreds of thousands a year. But that is a reality of life. We are born with muscles and lesser brains unlike these engineers etc.

[@MichaelRicksAherne]

This is a vulnerable video, despite the large income. It takes a great deal of courage to put all the details out there, knowing that you'll get some oddball reactions to it. I appreciate the honesty and find it both incredibly helpful and inspiring in its own right. Thank you so much.

[@Neonb88]

I loved how you mentioned values. This is the top reason I love to watch you: the kindness, generosity, and politeness in addition to all your experiences and knowledge are the top reason I watch you over similar KZbinrs Stay awesome, Steve!

[@tuams]

What a good video! Thank you for being so transparent. It shouldn't be a taboo to talk about money. You also show what a somewhat realistic view of "success" can mean and how wealth fluctuates. Look forward to the next years update! Keep sharing your knowledge, it is very helpful.

[@rhuynh]

This is refreshingly transparent and real and really well laid out. You cover all the bases including the soft and hard considerations. I really appreciate you making this video and wish continued success on KZbin as it seems a passion project for you.

[@JasonGoodison]

Love the transparency! Thanks for sharing, Steve!

[@anieudo5359]

Dude! Thanks for making this video. Started watching your channel this year and I'm very impressed with your steady progress. And I understand how this might be a sensitive topic for you , but just know that this gives new engineers like us a really good perspective on the career path.... ❤️ from Nigeria

[@cnid]

I love your content. I am just starting my Software Engineering journey and your videos have been invaluable in setting reasonable expectations for when I join the work force in a couple years. If the industry is filled with people like you, then I am excited for when I am part of it.

[@odhran3215]

I can’t stop recommending your channel to my mates and colleagues! This was really insightful as always, thanks Steve!

[@marietweedy2879]

Steve, it is great to see you on KZbin. We were CFWS peeps. Your video came up in the algorithm and it’s awesome! Really great content and video. I am in the wrong sector, government work doesn’t pay as well but it’s enough to be able to do most of what you suggest. Congratulations! You got a new subscriber.

[@Fastotec9]

As someone who is just breaking into the engineering field, I’m going to remember your videos for the rest of my career. Much appreciated!

[@svasylenko]

That's quite a bold move to disclose your earnings, and I appreciate that! Thank you for a well-explained example of the income of the software engineer in the US!

[@taylorg2783]

Great vid! Straight to the point to answer the title and then gave a deep dive for those wanting to know more.

[@Mohitkm]

Thank you so much for your honesty. I really appreciate the insights. I’m also an SDE at the same company in the same location so I can relate to what you’re saying. Great video!

[@bambitsunami4165]

You’re the best Meta. Your content is absolute gold, thank you for what you do!!

[@rajatizm]

Appreciate the honesty. Video is to the point, not just a clickbait. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@gavmastatube]

Crushing it! Thanks for being so transparent and willing to help everyone

[@neilaj1987]

Truly great video. Only channel that I started supporting on Patreon. You do keep providing so much value. 🍻

[@eddiejhong]

I am both sad that your content and guidance didn’t exist when I was starting out in tech and elated that an entire generation of engineers will benefit from your wisdom. A lot of the advice you share here were things I learned the long and hard way. This is the way.

[@calicruiser559]

your bittersweet and sincere feelings about this information encourage me to follow it even more so. i’m grateful to have come across this video and its comments. this is the way

[@ownsaucee]

Love the transparency, and lots of good advise here. Thanks for what you're doing, and congrats on getting some nice channel growth!

[@TheFangGirl]

I'm not an engineer, but it feels like i'm talking to my previous manager who was a great mentor and advocate for his team. Glad to have stumbled on this channel! this is inspirational

[@am_0x2a]

Thank you for this video! I agree that pay transparency is important. I really appreciate your humility and honesty in your videos. Thanks for not being like most KZbinrs in your topic area.

[@1attempting2bkind52]

You rock ! Thank you for this. I'm a bit worried because I have seen KZbinrs at big tech companies either lose their job because of vlogging, or say that their vlogging was a liability at work. So, take care please, okay? This is really interesting and informative. Your content is very much appreciated. Wishing you the best.

[@thefosplus]

I do see those fancy whiskeys behind you, so I'm glad you're getting to enjoy some of it. Great advice throughout the video, especially in the intro and talking about self-worth and what you value.

[@SmartMoneyCookie]

Showing my support! Thank you for your content!

[@jsephy]

that was so well articulated, hope to be able to talk and get my points across in such a concise fashion in the future

[@beamthelaser]

Details matter. Heart felt thank you for sharing your approach and advice!

[@jetizon]

My world is design and it's great understanding the mindset of an engineer through your channel. Thanks for your content + keep creating 👏

[@christopherbui7315]

My favorite part of the video is seeing how KZbin actually costs you immense time and money. Thus proving you're doing it for the community and for younger devs looking to learn and grow. Thank you !

[@KarlPhillipBuhr]

Loved this! Thanks for sharing all this great info.

[@metalslamalchimist]

Thanks for the quality and sincerity! It's such an amazing and inspirational video. It's not about the amount or about bragging, but rather about quality, improvements and balanced strategies in life. As always, top quality content! 🙏

[@kwazim0l0]

Great video man. I've quickly gone from watching a few videos to subscribing to clicking the notification bells. The amount of value that your videos bring to me as an engineer in the sector is crazy, especially considering that you're under no obligation to provie any of it. Thank you for your thoughts and ideas and I'm looking forward too future videos!

[@collin5119]

First of your videos that I have come across, loved the content and your style/delivery is excellent! Looking forward to you eclipsing the “1 million mark” for subscribers in the future.

[@haramfaith]

Really appreciate the honesty in your video content and your perspectives!

[@oscarfernandofloresgarcia4926]

Thanks for the transparency. Your advice is priceless!!

[@doodahgurlie]

Awesome video - very detailed and informative with great life and financial advice thrown in. Thank you for sharing!

[@samuelli3406]

I loved your honesty and straightforwardness. Thanks for the great content!

[@nichen6966]

Very well spoken and articulated. And really do appreciate your openness and candidness in opening so much , but valuable in giving a perspective to anyone in understanding the complex life we all live trying to succeed.. where succeeding the definition of which is a current point of destination where we want to be but also understand where we need to go beyond , after each stop. Thank you so very much for this perspective.

[@linonator]

It’s sad that you have to mention people having resentment toward you… You earned your pay. And im sure you’ve gone through a lot of stress to get to this point. Keep up the great posts! You’ve helped me more than you’ll ever realize

[@aperture0]

Those people are just jealous.

[@MakerModder]

It really is sad but it happens. Money does not define you and its heart breaking when someone thinks that of you.

[@ppanagos1]

Thank you for the transparency. Very straightforward and great advice.

[@acdefg1001]

Wow, awesome video!!! Thank you for also sharing your personal philosophies. 🙏🙏

[@jb-golf007]

wow. awesome video! thanks for the candidness and sharing. very helpful and educational for someone like me looking to get some perspective and ideas.

[@bakhtiyarbaimenov2517]

Thanks for transparency. Your content helps a lot! Thanks!

[@Loorp]

Sound advice all around. Great to hear positive and productive perspective vs all the toxicity elsewhere on the internet.

[@ulicznyinwestor]

It's great, thank you for sharing and breaking down the taboo.

[@captain_v7483]

This one was really great. Very down to earth. Appreciate the insight and advice.

[@evgenynikitin8796]

I like your engineered approach! It is actually exciting! Keep on with videos

[@saggitt]

Love your content, thank you for the transparency!

[@sonydominates]

Thanks a lot for taking the courage to share this! It's honestly an inspiration for me as someone early in my career. Thanks for breaking things down and being open and transparent about everything. I aspire to be in a similar position someday

[@crafter202]

This is one of the best ever videos I have seen in youtube about income, I doubt there is any video as such at all . Thanks for making this awesome content.

[@fosil100]

Thank you for being open about this. Really helps guide others negotiate better when people are willing to be open about what they make.

[@MakerModder]

Pay scale is where its at. You got to be armed, those recruiters are crafty. Last one was really good at tickling out what they shouldn't know.

[@kevinkiripeterson1316]

KZbin kept saying I needed to watch this video but felt it may be clickbait. Wow, was I wrong. Thank you for the open honesty and glad to see you are pursuing your passions in life.

[@NoahElRhandour]

thank you so much for your openness about salary and income. i find it weird that we dont talk a lot about that even tho its so important. thank you :)

[@MaxiTaxi1980]

Thank you for the mature, rational and open video on what is a sensitive topic in our society. I work in another professional discipline (not tech) but your approach to long-term wealth building resonates with my approach in almost every way. And indeed, it's very tempting to get caught up in the hedonistic treadmill... but a bottle of Yamazaki 12 can count as an occasional indulgence 😊. Keep up the great channel!

[@marcusfelton7416]

Love this man keep up the great work your content has been super helpful across the board

[@kennyly23]

omg subscribed cause the intro! much love to you

[@jimbisenius]

Amazing video, and extremely well spoken. Thank you!

[@vvolfbelorven7084]

Love it bro! Thank you! I think we need more of this: For those in better situations to share their knowledge, attitude, ethics, and culture with the numbers to back them up so that the rest of us can be motivated and hopefully convinced to how we could adopt those values, principles, and elements, and hopefully trace a path forward. Evidently, your subscribers (myself included) follow your videos because we value your insights and your communication style. Keep it up! You are the type of influencer I want in my life and in my community. I have a question. If one has an idea for a startup, where should one begin?

[@_nikolanenadovic]

Love your story and thank you for sharing the info.

[@lwandlenduli3674]

This is such an awesome video, Thank you for the effort man.

[@LookingAway359]

This was an extremely valuable video. Thanks Uncle Steve!

[@douglas12219]

Aside from your videos being great sources of advice, I’m always impressed how well you present your ideas. You’re very concise yet get your point across. I’m writing my first one pager for Amazon right now, and your communication style is certainly something I try to channel in my writing.

[@ProfFarns]

You're the man, thanks for the inspiration and keep up the great work!

[@avidlearner710]

Great mindset! Keep good videos coming!!

[@BHancock9598]

Great video! I would definitely be curious to see your progression over time versus just a snapshot of last year

[@dmang0]

Thanks for sharing all the details. Keep it up!

[@Sleppy92]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this!

[@kursorken]

Good job thanks for sharing the numbers and that makes your advises way more convincing

[@CristianHeredia0]

Thanks for the transparency, as a software engineer it’s nice to hear what’s realistic.

[@alanalso]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the insight. It is a shame it’s taboo, but not everyone wants to see others do just as well or succeed beyond them.

[@justinhui384]

I love this transparency from you :) and if anything this is a motivator.

[@CollaborationSimplified]

Well done! This will help and motivate a lot of people. Great advice in the video.

[@DavidMunoz-pj6vw]

Awesome video. Thanks Steve!

[@doug.woodrow]

This is awesome. Thanks for breaking this down, really helps me understand my trajectory in my career. I was wondering if you could do a video on RSUs, Options, and the strategies folks have, both pre and post-IPO? That's something I'm trying to understand as I'm working for a company with option grants, but I'm not 100% sure about the strategies as my options start to vest! This would be hugely insightful and something I don't see much helpful content on KZbin from a software engineer perspective.

[@jayjones7783]

Thanks for sharing the video. You understated the geographic influence on wage income, especially for big tech roles. Outside the US those numbers are largely unheard of, and in the US wage income in places like silicon Valley and New York can be significantly higher.

[@AdamaLorna]

I really enjoyed this video. Your transparency is really refreshing and useful 😊

[@jjdinanno4147]

Outstanding video. I love your approach to these topics. Really resonates with me.

[@thecloudterminal]

Wow, thank you for making this video and being so honest 🙌

[@therayvoice]

Thanks you for cresting these videos. It is very rare to get some honest content.

[@rafaelmarmitt]

This is really motivating me to continue studying english and focusing on my internacional carrier. Thank you man!

[@rkumd1]

Best channel ever. The contents are honest and of highest quality and value for time. Respect sir!!

[@nicholyse]

I don’t even know how I got here… I’m not remotely interested in this field but I found your video quite fascinating. Very analytical and I appreciate the transparency. Best of luck in the future to you and your family!

[@NathanHedglin]

Thanks for being direct open and honest.

[@aaron-uz6pc]

Thanks for the transparency and breakdown. I'm honestly surprised that an Amazon L7's base is that low, then again you do crush it in stock.

[@Gilamang]

Really impressed by the transparency. Seems very credible.

[@JesseUnderscoreMartin]

Nice, appreciate the transparency!

[@michaelbranconier973]

Thanks for sharing! Would love to see a video on your career progression

[@nerd_alert927]

I am an Accountant (love doing Taxes, glad I understood your finance terms) and am studying cs now. I find coding super fascinating and hope to become a Financial Software Engineer in the next few years.

[@atticusrussell1225]

Not all the way through the video yet but bravo on being so transparent. Extremely useful information

[@buzzingplants8748]

Thanks for sharing especially the book you recommended!

[@hockysa]

this is a great video. thank you for the courage for sharing. talking about money being taboo in our society only works against the vast majority of us only to serve big corporations in keeping individuals in the dark.

[@angeloliwanag2619]

Thanks Meta! Appreciate you bro

[@joojtorrents]

Thanks for sharing - great video !

[@KhelanBhatt]

Thanks for the courage and transparency! Congratulations on your success - not just financially/career-wise but at living a fulfilling life. 🙏

[@jkl89966]

Wow, this is great. Thanks for sharing.

[@hr2079]

Thank you for sharing brother !

[@eliyahubasa9401]

Thank you for keeping uploading great videos

[@concernedviewer6909]

Thanks for the insightful video, very refreshing

[@anirudhasengupta87]

Takes some balls to declare all your financials. Kudos.