Zuckerberg Says Most Techies Don’t Join Meta for Big Salaries—Sparks Reactions Online

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently claimed that most engineers don’t join the company for high salaries. Instead, he believes they come for the impact, mission, and opportunity to build at scale. His comments, made during an internal meeting, have triggered mixed reactions—especially from tech professionals across the globe, including India’s growing pool of software talent.

What Zuckerberg Said
Speaking to employees, Zuckerberg dismissed the idea that hefty paychecks are the main draw for working at Meta. He said that while Meta pays competitively, the biggest reason people stay is not money—it’s the scope of the work and the challenges they get to tackle.

He added that many top engineers are excited about the products and the scale at which Meta operates, from AI to VR and beyond. But many outside the company are finding this claim hard to digest.

Online Reactions and Indian Context
Social media quickly picked up on the statement. Tech forums, especially in India, filled with sarcasm and memes. For many engineers here—particularly in Tier 2 cities—salary is a critical factor. It’s not just about growth, it’s about family responsibilities, student loans, and financial security.

While some agree that passion matters, many say it’s unrealistic to downplay salary in today’s job market. In India’s tech industry, which feeds global giants like Meta, compensation is often what separates a dream offer from a practical one.

Startups vs Giants: What Really Drives Talent?
Zuckerberg’s statement highlights a long-standing debate—what drives top talent: purpose or pay? Startups often pitch mission and creativity, while big tech firms offer stability and money. In reality, most techies want both, especially when opportunities now exist across continents and remote work is common.

India’s engineering colleges continue to send thousands of freshers into the global talent pool every year. For many of them, big salaries from firms like Meta, Google, and Amazon remain a primary motivator.

Conclusion
Zuckerberg may believe in purpose over pay, but for most engineers—especially in India’s competitive and cost-conscious job market—compensation still plays a central role. The discussion isn’t about choosing one over the other, but recognising that talent thrives best where ambition meets reward.