Pay Mix

Pay mix is the proportion of total compensation from fixed pay (base) versus variable pay (bonus, commission, equity). It's expressed as a ratio like 70/30.

Typical mixes: individual contributors 85/15, managers 75/25, sales reps 50/50 or 60/40, executives 40/60 or 50/50. Junior employees tend toward higher fixed ratios. Senior leaders have higher variable.

Getting pay mix right matters for hiring. Stability-seekers reject a 50/50 mix. Performance-driven candidates find 90/10 unmotivating. The mix should match the role's nature and the talent you're targeting.