@doctorsex @PodunkPotato The default reason is centered around cheaper labor yes. But given that spacex already pays higher than industry average even not factoring in other compensations, it doesn't fit in this case.

When you are interested in attracting top talent, you already have to be willing to pay more than their probable market value, because those people understand they are in demand, so it doesn't fit;

If you are looking for the average engineer, lowering average compensation could work out for you.