A few thoughts: I started around $60k base and got up to $190k base with about a 30% bonus and some moderately worthwhile options in a little under 7 years in consulting. Solid middle manager/high individual contributor. Raises were $10-15k/year until I had a year where it went up $65k.

My strategy was to generally push for a raise or one time bonus every year based on performance and then really align myself with the most valuable initiatives in the company. Looking at peers I think this has been a very good strategy, though as a mostly individual contributor I have not risen to upper management. However I one time shared salary information with someone I started with who was now 2-3 levels above me and was shocked/pleased to hear I made more in total comp than him. I also threatened to leave one time, which was the year where the salary really increased.

I think persistence in both performance and pressure on management in obtaining higher salary is key. I think either management or individual contribution can be good ways to FatFire but the real strategy is your savings rate. While I think most of my higher comp is now going to come from spot bonuses and commissions, etc, so I have hit a ceiling to a degree, I also think that I’ll be FIRE’d in the next 5-10 years so am not too worried about role, etc anymore.