<prompt> Human: First time poster here, long time lurker. So this is the story: Im a 28 year old male with a BSME in the NYC metro area. I work for a company that provides a very specific mechanical system that all buildings are required to have. I dont want to go into too much detail because some of my co workers might be reading this and I dont want to start anything at my company. Ive been with my company for 5 years now and Ive been described as a top performer; one of the top designers the company has. We design and build. My company has been in business for over 80 years and has a very good reputation in the construction industry. We have worked on some, maybe all, of the biggest projects in NYC. Were good at what we do and we do well. I have personally work on 3 big projects by myself where the company has done very well so Ive a good track so far. Ive done a good number of small projects too but these dont get much attention. Here is the deal; Im making a little over 100k in base salary right now and Im afraid Im slowly pricing myself out. I know my work is appreciated and needed at my company and this is the reason why Im making this salary. Im afraid Im making too much too fast and that Ill get to a point when the company wont be able to afford me. I was recently told that Im making way above others are making with my experience level and this scares me a bit. Other engineers retire from here making about 180k after 35 years of experience! Am I pricing myself out? I want to hear from other engineers or construction managers and see whats their take. Thanks.  <response>: Salary often increases faster in your first few years and then slows down, so youre still pretty far from that 180k mark. If they couldnt afford you, they wouldnt keep giving you raises. 100k for an engineer with 5 years experience in NYC is very reasonable. 