Comparing Earnings After 10 Years: Google vs. Goldman Sachs

When comparing the earnings of employees who have worked at Google versus those who have worked at Goldman Sachs after 10 years, several factors come into play, including job roles, location, performance, and the specific compensation structures of each company.

Overview of Earnings and Compensation Structures

While the exact earnings can vary significantly based on these factors, we can provide a general comparison to give a clearer picture of what to expect.

Google

Roles: Includes software engineers, product managers, and data scientists. Compensation: Known for offering high salaries, especially in tech roles. Total compensation includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options. A senior engineer or manager could earn a total compensation package of $200,000 to $300,000 annually after 10 years. Career Growth: Employees often see significant salary increases and promotions over time, particularly if they move into higher-level positions.

Goldman Sachs

Roles: Includes investment bankers, analysts, and traders. Compensation: Offers highly competitive salaries with a significant bonus component. A managing director or senior banker could earn a total compensation package exceeding $300,000 to $500,000 annually after 10 years, particularly in high-performing years. Career Growth: The finance sector can offer rapid advancement, leading to substantial increases in compensation for high-performing individuals.

General Comparison and Factors Influencing Earnings

In general, while both companies offer lucrative compensation, individuals at Goldman Sachs, particularly in senior roles, may earn more after 10 years compared to their counterparts at Google. However, this can vary widely depending on individual performance, specific job functions, and market conditions.

Additionally, the performance of the companies over the past decade plays a significant role. From 2017, the last 10 years have been very good for Google, while Goldman Sachs has had a challenging period. Based on my experience as a hiring manager, I would say that someone who has been at Google and done reasonable work in building software or machine learning models between 2007-2017 does not need to work much more. However, this statement may not apply to the majority of Goldman Sachs quant/dev employees of the same period.

Advantages and Considerations

Google often offers a more stable and reliable career path, with long-term career security and the potential for significant promotions. On the other hand, Goldman Sachs provides the opportunity for faster career advancement and high financial rewards, especially for high-performing employees.

Looking towards the future, the compensation scales of both industries have largely evened out. However, the upside in a technology startup can be higher, making it a more attractive option for those seeking greater potential for exponential income growth.

Choosing between Google and Goldman Sachs depends on your individual career goals, risk tolerance, and financial aspirations. Both companies offer distinct advantages, and the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of your personal specifications.