When I see these surveys from the top-tier universities, I often wonder what the ceiling is for those of us who are self-educated.

There is no ceiling.

I have no degree. Base salary 160k roughly 50-60k in equity/year. 10 years experience. I'm not at the top of my game yet.

I started at 70k with no experience no degree.

I would perhaps argue that 70k starting with no experience or degree is very much not the norm. I'm not questioning you, but how/where?

I have no actual work experience prior to my current job and no degree. I am 23 years old and I have a 6 figure salary and equity in the Bay Area. If you know people that know what you are capable of and can refer you to a company then an amazing resume is completely irrelevant. Last week I turned down a job offer from Blizzard Entertainment (was by referral) because they could not match my current salary.

I'm jelly, you should post some your story for inspiration for all of us young people without a 6 figure salary :)

You are questioning me, but it's fair. I should've said with minimal experience (nothing that'd be on my resume today).

It was a contracting gig. Hourly, operations and NOC type work.

Luckily for us, we can prove it. Not many people will ever get a chance to say, "hey, let me show you that I can do it". There aren't many hobbyist surgeons (I hope).

Depends if you are actually good at something. Great engineers easily find work anywhere.

I am drop out. It took me only 1 week of looking to get a 6 figure job in the Bay Area with equity. It is also my first real job. It is nice knowing that I am in my early 20s with no college debt. College is great for networking though.

At least you're in good company: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and many others were dropouts too. Your challenge is to prove that you can stack up against someone with that piece of paper if it's a job you're looking for.

well..not really.. what are you good at?

you're not employable, but you can be selfemployable :)