Just to add my own data point. I studied leetcode for 6 months during covid. Sent about 30 applications interviewed at 10 companies and received 8 offers.

2 of these offers where double my current TC through negotiation. It's not just FAANG but startups making very good offers. I have 3 YOE.

For negotiation:

Always ask for at least 20% more + a signing bonus

Have competing offers

Interview well

Be willing to walk away. If they can't do it there's another company that will.

Could you give rough range of these offers? Would be interested in understanding absolute numbers

My lowest offers where 120k CAD Base, 100k USD in options.

My best two offers:

200k CAD Base, 390k USD RSU /4 years, 20k CAD Sign on

200k CAD Base, 330k USD in Options / 4 years, 20k CAD Sign on

I'm also still waiting on some numbers from Google Canada but I doubt they will match.

These offers show signs of life for Canadian salaries. I am presuming you are in Toronto, and these were IC roles.

What types of companies were the 2 best offers?

I'm actually in Vancouver but both roles allowed me remote.

Wish is one so post-ipo.

The other is a Series D startup based in SF.

I think remote is your best bet for high salary in Canada.

mind naming some of those high-paying ones in Canada? I'll be shopping soon and curious.

edit: also in Van.

Wish is one. Though I'm not a big fan of their product.

The other is a Series D startup based in SF

yup - Wish paid a lot in TO as well but then again, their product isn't necessarily appealing.