Does the startup have funding? Does it have appreciable revenue? Are either of these things on the horizon?
Does the developer have applicable experience? Is he willing to take increased equity in exchange for a decreased salary? How many other people on the job market have the same skill set?
Where is the startup located? What is the cost of living there? What is the median salary for the area?
depends on your level of skill and the school you came out of too. if you're reading news.ycombinator, please don't shortchange yourself and accept $60k, which btw, just happens to be exactly what I did when I got out. my current company offers $100k for friggin QA positions if you know C++/C (i.e. you're actually capable of being a developer). of course, my company is not a startup anymore, so adjust your figures appropriately.
what I've seen is that anything goes for a startup. it depends a lot on how well funded they are and how in tune with the establishment the founder(s) are. but if you ask me, you should really not be assessing a startup based on salary. doing a startup is a passion. why would you do one otherwise? if salary is important to you, then just stick with the small company doling out $100k for a QA position sort of gig.
Does the developer have applicable experience? Is he willing to take increased equity in exchange for a decreased salary? How many other people on the job market have the same skill set?
Where is the startup located? What is the cost of living there? What is the median salary for the area?