3, and with a 30-50% increase with each swap. Benefits and pay are nice. Hesitant to give numbers but in my country I'm currently at a 'good ++' salary, with great bonus programme based on the organizations performance.

U start out low when young/inexperienced, but if you are good you rapid career progression. Barriers to entry are low, formal education is almost worthless and smart emoloyers know this. Demonstrate your ability to solve problems by reading documentation, demonstrate enthusiasm for the subfield you are applying to, and you'll be able to get a job. Most ppl in the labor pool are retarded.

PS. If the salary is the only reason you wanna do this job, then you are probably gonna suck at it. Smart employers look for people who code because they like to code. The best are getting paid to do something that would otherwise be a hobby.

If you are in it for the money, don't waste your time. Find a career that you would do for free (if you could). I have been into tech since I was young so for me its no different than what I would do at home nights and weekends. My pay has been consistent since I moved into tech in 2011. High 5 figures now and the benefits that I receive are outstanding, however the company I work for is known for over paying their workers. So it really depends on where you work. I have seen people making just over $50k-75k for literally the same (Systems Admin) job that I do in the same metro area and I make almost 20% more than the top rate. The best advice I can give you though is that if you do find a good company to work for, then you will need to reinvent yourself and move into a different role every 3-4 years. Don't burn bridges and don't ever forget that anyone can do your job. If you were hit by a bus today, your job will be filled tomorrow. So be versatile and as indispensable as you possibly can.

The money is very good but it’s a big industry you’re talking about here.