Well, IDK where I fit on the skill curve but... my total comp is personally well above that line. There's definitely a bi-modal effect with tech companies issuing RSUs that appreciate dramatically vs. random insurance company or telco.
Well, yeah, luck certainly can factor in. There was a year I made around 1.35 million in total comp due to luck like this. Nowadays I mostly make around 150k.
It feels more like you choose the job you like because you are already rich.
I'm sure you can join one of the FAANGs and get, at least, $300k/year easily.
If I have a few millions in my bank, I'd definitely join an interesting startup with no regard to compensation.
1.3m/year definitely has some luck involved. 500k/year is probably less luck. Just joined one of the hot tech companies and stay for 4 years. You have to be unlucky to not get to 500k/year.
