HFT developer pay question

Hi all,

I'm a n00b here and have started lately as a software engineer at a top HFT firm (think the first 4 names or so to come up in that category). I had years of experience outside HFT and am a bit worried my starting base is too low.

I didn't have very high expectations, basically just asked for a "normal" tech firm level base for my profile outside SV/NY, as I heard everything is in the bonus, which I found was probably a mistaken view.

I'm not unhappy about the base per se (though the base itself won't pay for the risk premium and longer hours); but will a low starting base affect my pay growth? What should have been a fairer deal? If I'm underpaid for now are they likely to give me more chances before laying me off?

Thanks!

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