This is certainly the case when you're a masters student. It can change as you climb the greasy pole. You will have a lot of freedom if you are extremely successful in your chosen field. Otherwise, it's not such a rosey picture. In academia only the crème de la crème can shop around for a good deal in terms of pay, location and equipment. If you are merely successful then you'll have little choice over where you live and little negotiating power when it comes to pay.