Maybe it's just me, but I strongly believe luck DOES influence your salary. There was this female co-worker of mine who started off as a programmer with RM2000 (after confirmation). Previously a fresh graduate. After one year, she received an invitation from someone she doesn't even know, to work with them. She didn't apply from any job agency, she didn't apply from any recruitment postings.

At first, she didn't want to leave the company eventhough the person offered her RM2500. So she though, maybe I can turn him down by asking for a very high salary. And so, she asked for RM3000 as a joke. Guess what, the person agreed! And guess what, the entire interview and salary negotiation is done through MSN! No face-to-face meeting, no appointment for an interview, no second interview. Just go to the office, sign the contract, new job.