Compensation Breakdown by Percentile
View how compensation varies across different percentiles for this role.
| Percentile | Base Salary | Total Cash | Equity % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th (Entry) | $168,365 | $195,206 | 0.03% |
| 50th (Median) | $188,700 | $218,794 | 0.04% |
| 75th (Experienced) | $221,233 | $256,208 | 0.08% |
| 90th (Top Performer) | $237,501 | $274,916 | 0.11% |
Market Overview
Senior Staff (Advisor) engineers are critical to building and scaling the product. They typically own significant technical decisions and mentor junior team members. This market offers competitive compensation for experienced startup talent. In Dallas, TX, median base salary for this role is $188,700, with equity grants around 3.6% typical for this level and stage.
Understanding Your Equity
Equity of 3.56% is typical for this stage and level. Understand vesting schedules, strike prices, and post-termination exercise windows before accepting.
Pro tip: Always ask about the company's fully-diluted cap table, liquidation preferences, and post-termination exercise window (ideally 5-10 years, not 90 days).
How to Negotiate This Offer
Research market rates for your level and location before negotiating. In Dallas, TX, talent is competitive but less saturated than coastal hubs, giving you strong negotiation leverage. Always get offers in writing and take 3-5 days to review before signing.
Career Growth Path
From Senior Staff (Advisor), the next step is typically senior leadership or specialist roles, achievable in 2-4 years. At $100M-$200M companies, promotions often come faster than at mature companies due to rapid growth and expanding scope. Focus on driving measurable impact, mentoring others, and expanding your cross-functional influence to accelerate your career progression. Many Senior Staff (Advisor)s also transition to founding their own startups or joining earlier-stage companies for larger equity grants.
Dallas, TX Startup Market
Dallas, TX is emerging as a competitive startup market, offering lower cost of living than SF or NYC while building a strong talent and investor base. Remote work has made location less critical, but being near your company's HQ often accelerates career growth.
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About This Data
This compensation data is compiled from public sources including DOL H1B disclosures, state salary transparency job postings, and published startup compensation surveys.
- • Role: Engineering (IC 7)
- • Experience: Senior Staff (Advisor)
- • Company Stage: $100M-$200M
- • Location: Dallas, TX
- • Data Freshness: Updated March 2026
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