Decisions based on average (a/k/a "mean") salaries, however, are only relying on a small part of the picture. Personally I'd like to see standard deviations accounted for in here. I have the feeling that it is easier to make 1.5x to 2x these "averages" in some cities than in others, especially for people with experience.
The other data I'd like to see is distribution of non-salaried incomes -- bonuses and equity. I have the feeling that SF and SV are the only places where you have a realistic shot of working for a company for 4-6 years and coming away a millionaire.
In other places, it'd be base salary, maybe a bonus, and that's it. For life. And if you ever have ambitions to start your own startup, would you want to be in Atlanta?
