Similar situation, but I don't live in NYC. There is somewhat of a salary ceiling from what I've seen for the average developer (where "senior" is as far as most typically get). However, I have known a few devs that do multiple jobs (typically supplementing pay with part-time), and contractors can work longer hours or have niche experience that can make a good bit more.
If you're willing to take it to the next level, there are plenty of opportunities. See the salary range on left here:
Instead of looking for senior dev positions, look for principal dev, lead architect, etc. After you interview for one of those types of positions, you'll see what they are looking for: leadership experience, system and application design, real-world experience with enterprise system/application development (high load, money involved, etc.), flexibility in methodology, and dealing with loads of documentation, process, etc. You usually would have more opportunity to get that kind of experience in a larger more structured shop (banks, financial institutions, large company, etc.). I would stay the hell away from them though, personally. The politics and lack of ability to feel a part of the whole business will suck the life out of an entrepreneurial developer.
I assume that since you are here you are considering going off on your own or starting a company or have thought seriously about it? If you do this, be prepared to lower your salary not raise it. However, if you are doing what you love to do, you'll probably be good at it, and you'll be more successful.
If you don't feel you are good enough to make what you are making now somewhere else, maybe it is time to either start training, or start looking into what you really want to do with your life. Procrastination (which I'm good at) is not going to make you more successful.
I haven't used indeed in so long, I wasn't even aware that there was a salary range option - I've relied far too much on recruiter presented opportunities (even though I am aware that that is generally a poor decision).
I am avoiding the financial sector as well as larger institutions like the plague - I want to continue to stay on the top of my game and not get bogged down by business politics - even the agency lifestyle seems to do that.
I would love to go off on my own, and willing to take a pay cut (once my wife enters the work force and we are able to do so), but I am sadly not sure how I would eventually do that. Freelancing failed for me, and starting my own business is something that would require more business skills than I have. Sadly, procrastination is also my enemy.
I think I am good enough to be earning my salary, and even believe I could be earning more - my primary concern is that I will be too expensive for the jobs that I want.
If you're willing to take it to the next level, there are plenty of opportunities. See the salary range on left here:
http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Java+Developer&l=New+York%2...
Instead of looking for senior dev positions, look for principal dev, lead architect, etc. After you interview for one of those types of positions, you'll see what they are looking for: leadership experience, system and application design, real-world experience with enterprise system/application development (high load, money involved, etc.), flexibility in methodology, and dealing with loads of documentation, process, etc. You usually would have more opportunity to get that kind of experience in a larger more structured shop (banks, financial institutions, large company, etc.). I would stay the hell away from them though, personally. The politics and lack of ability to feel a part of the whole business will suck the life out of an entrepreneurial developer.
I assume that since you are here you are considering going off on your own or starting a company or have thought seriously about it? If you do this, be prepared to lower your salary not raise it. However, if you are doing what you love to do, you'll probably be good at it, and you'll be more successful.
If you don't feel you are good enough to make what you are making now somewhere else, maybe it is time to either start training, or start looking into what you really want to do with your life. Procrastination (which I'm good at) is not going to make you more successful.