Compared to what? I wasn't in FAANG and my first job out of college paid better than the highest average wage in any country in Europe, Switzerland [1], I paid very little in taxes (no state tax), got 20+1 days of vacation with half of those rolling over if I wanted, as well as sick leave, parental, etc, etc. I had the option of taking highly subsidized healthcare as well, but I was still on my parent's plan at that point.

[1] https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/07/08/european-averag...