[throwaway-vamoo]

Bay area, early 30s, making $200k base at non-public ~200 person company. I was an early engineer at the company and have done significant work that has directly contributed to the success of the company.

Get good at what you do. Try to maximize the direct impact your work has to the company's bottom line. You are more likely to be compensated well when you are working on a core product.

Once you have demonstrated your value you can ask for more (don't be afraid to ask if you think you deserve it).