Several factors are considered for job selection like experience, benefits, learnings, workplace environment, and salary. Personally, I feel salary is an important factor, but not the most important one.
Salary and benefits are undoubtedly important. For instance, an individual will dedicate greater efforts to his work if he feels fairly compensated. But there is more to a job than salary. Some people prefer a lower-paying job because of the exposure and prestige it gives. Furthermore, such jobs offer the possibility of meeting certain people of high society and dealing with different and relevant matters that require solutions. For instance, working as an intern in a top-rated law firm may earn you less compared to establishing your own law firm but will reward you in terms of learnings, exposure and contacts.
A company rewards its employees in ways other than money, like a good workplace environment and employee benefits. For instance, an employee would be thrilled to work in a setting where he is not working till he feels burned out, and the the subordinates as to how daily functioning can be improved.
salary also bears certain importance. If an employee is given a , he will be able to solidify his future, improve his lifestyle and facilitate those dependent on him in a better way. the benefit of a job which gives you a lot of money but zero satisfaction? That person might even quit the company if he feels undervalued and overworked.
Hence, salary may be a significant component of a job, but it is not an all-important consideration when choosing a job.