Standard FIRE Calculator for Software Engineers
Model Standard FIRE for software engineers with high-income assumptions and conservative defaults. Plug in spending, savings, and withdrawal rate to see your FIRE number and progress in seconds.
Software engineering pay can be deceptively complex. Your “total comp” might look huge, but taxes, benefits, and RSU vesting schedules can make cashflow feel uneven—especially in high-cost cities. Add lifestyle creep, big one-off expenses, and the temptation to treat equity like guaranteed income, and it becomes hard to answer: “Am I actually on track for FIRE?” Standard FIRE is about building the portfolio that can cover your ongoing spending indefinitely using a safe withdrawal rate. For engineers, the key is realism: use an effective tax rate (not just the marginal bracket), treat RSUs conservatively, and plan for a spending level you’d actually maintain in retirement. This page starts with a high-comp default scenario (e.g., $150k salary, meaningful RSUs, higher taxes, and an HCOL spending target) so you can see what your FIRE number looks like and how close your current invested assets are today. Then adjust the knobs: lower spending, raise savings, choose a more conservative withdrawal rate, and stress-test assumptions until the plan feels robust—even if markets, equity value, or job stability changes.
Need More Precision?
This calculator is great for a quick check, but real life is more complex. If you want to track your net worth, manage multiple currencies, and simulate detailed retirement scenarios with changing variables over time, try our dedicated app.
Download Asset Prism for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Should I count RSUs as guaranteed income for FIRE planning?
Treat RSUs as variable. Many engineers discount RSUs (or model only the vested portion), then diversify after vesting. Planning with conservative RSU assumptions makes your FIRE timeline more resilient.
What tax rate should I use?
Use an effective tax rate that reflects federal + state + payroll taxes after deductions, not just your top bracket. If you’re unsure, start slightly higher; underestimating taxes is a common FIRE planning mistake.
How do I set spending if I live in a high-cost city?
Anchor on your true baseline: housing, transportation, insurance, and any recurring family costs. For FIRE, the spending number matters more than your salary—reduce spend and your FIRE number drops immediately.
Is 4% withdrawal rate safe for long retirements?
The 4% rule is a common baseline, but many people choose 3.5% (or lower) for longer retirements or when they want a larger safety margin. A lower withdrawal rate increases the required portfolio but reduces risk.