A screenshot showing Rs 6,76,340 credited as monthly salary in a bank account is enough to stop almost anyone mid-commute. That’s exactly what happened when a software engineer shared his payslip on Reddit.The post quickly attracted thousands of hits, but what made it interesting was not the amount itself. Instead, it was the career path behind it, and the conversations it sparked about engineering careers, niche technical skills, pay disparities and whether success in tech depends more on college pedigree or lifelong learning.According to the Reddit post, the engineer started his career with an annual package of Rs 15 lakh and over eight years, reached a total annual compensation of around Rs 1.3 crore, with a monthly salary of over Rs 6.7 lakh.His story also became a reminder that while impressive salaries make headlines, they are often built on years of skilled work rather than overnight success.
From campus practices to high frequency systems
The software engineer shared that he graduated from a Tier 1 engineering university (IIT) and entered a specialized software engineering role immediately after college.He later worked abroad before returning to India in 2024, joining a FAANG company and eventually moving to what he described as a leading Tier 1 technology company.Unlike conventional software development roles, their work revolves around highly specialized systems.According to the Reddit discussion, their experience includes:• C++• Data structures and algorithms (DSA)• Low latency programming• Commercial engines• High frequency systems• Backend engineering based on LinuxWhen asked what aspiring engineers should focus on, his answer was surprisingly short:“C++, DSA”.
Why niche skills often command premium wages
The viral post also highlighted an important reality about today’s tech industry.Not all software engineering jobs are valued equally.While web development, application development, and general back-end engineering continue to offer rewarding careers, some domains remain relatively small but highly specialized.These include:• High Frequency Trading (HFT)• Quantitative financing• Distributed systems• Development of the compiler• Database engines• Operating systems• Embedded systems• Low latency infrastructureCompanies operating in these areas compete with speed measured in microseconds. Even small improvements in runtime can translate into significant financial gains, which is one reason why engineers with experience in these fields often receive exceptionally high compensation packages.
The Internet points to another reality
While many users congratulated the engineer, the discussion soon shifted to a much larger topic: not everyone starts from the same starting line.One commenter wrote that starting at Rs 15 lakh per year represented a significant advantage.Another shared a completely different journey.He said he had started with Rs 96,000 per annum and despite eight years of work experience, was yet to cross Rs 20 lakh per annum.Others described starting their careers with salaries of Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 per month, while some said their first internships paid as little as Rs 2,000 per month.The discussion reflected a reality that career experts often emphasize: salary growth is influenced by multiple factors beyond individual ability.These include:• University and academic training• Location• Industry demand• Type of company• Timing of job changes• Economic conditions• Access to opportunities• Specialized skillsMany commentators observed that working abroad before returning to India can also significantly increase salary negotiations for experienced professionals.
Can students from Tier 3 universities achieve these roles?
Perhaps the most valuable part of the discussion came from the students.An engineering student from a tier 3 college asked if someone with no IIT background could still get into high-paying high-frequency trading or fintech companies through off-campus hiring.While the original poster didn’t provide a detailed roadmap, many seasoned professionals who responded to the thread emphasized that off-campus hiring happens, especially for candidates who demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and strong programming fundamentals.Several users suggested focusing on:• Competitive programming• Advanced C++• Data structures and algorithms• Operating systems• Computer networks• Linux internals• System design• Personal projects that demonstrate low-level programming skillsRecruiters at niche tech companies often prioritize technical ability over conventional resumes, though competition remains fierce.
A screenshot of the salary only tells part of the story
An interesting aspect of the discussion was how quickly people began trying to identify the engineer’s employer from the salary notification.Some guessed it was an investment bank, while others speculated about high-frequency trading firms or large fintech companies.The engineer declined to reveal the identity of the company, explaining that he could not reveal it for obvious professional reasons.Instead, he chose to focus on the technical side of his job rather than the employer brand.This became a subtle lesson.In the tech industry, long-term career growth often depends less on where someone works today and more on the specialized skills they continue to acquire over time.
What students can learn from this discussion
For engineering students, the viral Reddit post offers a more nuanced lesson than simply chasing the highest salary.It highlights the value of developing expertise in difficult technical domains that relatively few engineers pursue. Strong foundations in programming, math and computing continue to be the foundation for many of the highest paying roles in the industry.At the same time, the discussion also reminds students that comparing salaries without understanding different career paths can be misleading. Two engineers with similar years of experience can earn vastly different incomes based on their skills, industry, opportunities, and career decisions.Rather than focusing solely on the salary screenshots circulating on social media, students can benefit more from studying the knowledge, persistence, and technical depth that often lies behind it.Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral discussion shared on Reddit. The salary figures, career details and claims mentioned are based on statements made by the anonymous user and other participants in the discussion. The Times of India has not independently verified these claims. The article is intended for educational and professional awareness purposes and should not be construed as financial, employment or salary reference advice.