@old_school posted:ah when a stats / analytics person attempts to communicate with an executive level person you get conversations like the above. Good times for all.
Actually it is as simple as if you try to figure out why compensation (salary, bonuses, stock options, etc) varies from a factor of 1:1 to 1:30, you will go down rabbit hole.
Free market, you will get paid based on what the market demands in your region for your specific skillset and who is willing pay a perceived value.
E.G. On Average A Police Officer in NYC makes more than PO from Florida.