I made $125k total by year 3 of my career. If you need $125k, look elsewhere (and specifically look in California and maybe possibly New York.)

The unfortunate consequence of the taboo of salary discussions is young software engineers not knowing how much they can actually make.

I am not American.

Restrictions on the free movement of people may be our biggest barrier to economic growth worldwide.

Look for CA and NY companies and salaries, but live in a low cost of living region and work remotely.