Salary may be misleading and not the best indicator of how much you're really making. For a more accurate number you have to calculate taxes and cost of living

Salary may be misleading and not the best indicator of how much you're really making. For a more accurate number you have to calculate taxes and cost of living at the location where you're working as well as benefits (if any). 1. don't stay at a company more than 2 years (unless they give you what you want) and ask at least 20% more every time you change jobs. 2. become a contractor and eventually run your own business