Also, the Bay Area isn't your only option, if you're willing to move. DC area salaries are up a lot this year. I've had six recruiters in the last two weeks sell me on jobs in the 175-200k range. Plus, Northern Virginia is relatively cheap compared to the bay, and the startup scene has been building up for years while government, defense, and intel work has remained flat. I'm biased though because I want it to grow even more.
