A screenshot showing Rs 6,76,340 being deposited into a bank account as a monthly salary is enough to give almost anyone pause. That’s exactly what happened when a software engineer shared his pay stub on Reddit.The post quickly attracted thousands of views, but it wasn’t the number itself that was interesting. Rather, it’s the career journey behind it and the conversations it’s sparked about engineering careers, niche technical skills, salary gaps, and whether success in technology depends more on college origins or continued learning.According to the Reddit post, the engineer started his career with an annual salary of Rs 15 lakh and over eight years, the total annual salary reached about Rs 1.30 lakh, with a monthly salary of over Rs 6.70 lakh.His story is also a reminder that while impressive salaries make headlines, they are often built over years of professional work rather than overnight success.
From campus placement to high frequency systems
The software engineer shared that he graduated from a Tier 1 engineering institute (IIT) and immediately entered a specialized software engineering position after graduating from college.He later worked abroad before returning to India in 2024, joining a FAANG company and eventually jumping to what he calls a leading Tier 1 fintech company.Unlike traditional software development roles, his work revolves around highly specialized systems.According to a Reddit discussion, his expertise includes:• C++• Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)• Low latency programming• Trading engine• High frequency systems• Linux-based backend engineeringWhen asked what aspiring engineers should focus on, his answer was surprisingly brief:“C++, DSA.”
Why niche skills often command high salaries
The viral post also highlights an important reality in today’s tech industry.Not all software engineering jobs are equally valued.While web development, application development, and general back-end engineering continue to offer valuable careers, some areas remain relatively small but highly specialized.These include:• High Frequency Trading (HFT)• Quantitative Finance• Distributed systems• Compiler development• Database engine• operating system• Embedded systems• Low latency infrastructureCompanies operating in these areas compete on a microsecond basis. Even small improvements in execution time can translate into huge financial gains, which is one reason why engineers with expertise in these areas are often extremely well compensated.
The Internet points to another reality
While many users congratulated the engineers, the discussion quickly turned to a broader issue: not everyone starts from the same starting line.One commenter wrote that the starting price of Rs 15 lakh per year is a major advantage in itself.Another shared a completely different journey.He said his annual salary was Rs 96,000 and despite working for eight years, his annual salary did not exceed Rs 20 lakh.Others said they started their careers with a salary of Rs 7,000-8,000 per month, while others said their first internship was paid only Rs 2,000 per month.The discussion reflects a reality often emphasized by career experts: salary increases are affected by factors beyond individual ability.These include:• University and academic background• Place• Industry needs• Company type• Timing of job transitions• Economic conditions• Get opportunities• Professional skillsMany commentators have observed that working abroad before returning to India can also significantly increase salary negotiations for experienced professionals.
Can students from third-level institutions achieve such a role?
Perhaps the most valuable part of the discussion came from the students.An engineering student from a III-level college asked whether someone without an IIT background could still get into high-paying fintech or high-frequency trading firms through off-campus recruitment.Although the original poster did not provide a detailed roadmap, many experienced professionals responding to the post emphasized that off-campus recruiting does exist, especially for candidates who demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and a strong programming foundation.Some users recommend focusing on:• Competitive programming• Advanced C++• Data structures and algorithms• operating system• Computer network• Linux internals• System design• Personal projects demonstrating low-level programming skillsAlthough competition remains fierce, recruiters at professional technology companies often prioritize technical skills over traditional resumes.
Salary screenshots only tell part of the story
An interesting aspect of the discussion was the start of attempts to identify an engineer’s employer from salary notices.Some speculated it was an investment bank, while others speculated it was a high-frequency trading firm or a large fintech company.The engineer declined to identify the company, explaining that he could not do so for obvious professional reasons.Instead, he chose to focus on the technical aspects of the job rather than the employer’s brand.That in itself became a subtle lesson.In the tech industry, long-term career advancement often depends less on where someone works today and more on the professional skills they develop over time.
What students can learn from this discussion
For engineering students, this viral Reddit post offers a more nuanced lesson than simply chasing the highest salary.It emphasizes the value of developing expertise in difficult technical areas pursued by relatively few engineers. A strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and computer science remains the foundation for high-paying positions in many industries.The discussion also reminded students that comparing salaries without understanding different career paths can be misleading. Two engineers with similar experience may earn very different amounts based on their skills, industry, opportunities, and career decisions.Students should not just focus on salary screenshots circulating on social media, but should benefit more from studying the knowledge, perseverance and technical depth behind them.Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral discussion shared on Reddit. Salary figures, career details and statements mentioned are based on statements made by anonymous users and other discussion participants. times of india These claims have not been independently verified. This article is intended for educational and career awareness purposes and should not be construed as financial, employment or salary benchmark advice.