If you think those comps were only from last two years - I suggest you go back in historical data. $400k+ wages have been a thing well before the pandemic.
The truth is somewhere in the middle. High comps have existed forever, but they have also been handed out like candy the last few years.
If you're in the bay it might be hard to see, but high comps spread rapidly across the country, to Canada and to some parts of Europe. It became more commonplace hence why everyone and their dog has been trying to get into the industry.
