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312k total compensation (not just salary, but stock and bonuses also) is not uncommon at FAANG and unicorn startups for senior people. The cost to the company is higher than that due to benefits, office space, and other HR costs.

I don't know much about what recruiters earn, but for a senior engineer that is not crazy.

Including benefits/facilities costs/ etc this isn't entirely unreasonable.

It's not a $312k salary unless the person takes no holidays, sick days, vacation and has no benefits or other fixed costs associated with their employement.

Are holidays and sick days not paid in the US?

Often not unless they are negotiated or the company is really pushing it's work/life balance as a job perk