OpenAI is maintaining Silicon Valley's top-tier compensation packages, offering base salaries up to $685,000 for research positions, as the battle for AI talent intensifies amid fierce competition in generative artificial intelligence.
According to Business Insider's report on Jan. 24 citing federal documents, OpenAI hired more than 60 foreign workers between October and December last year, an increase from the previous quarter. The hiring pace remained steady despite the Trump administration imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications in September.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had said earlier this year that the company would "significantly slow hiring to avoid large-scale layoffs." However, the company has continued recruiting core research and development talent. OpenAI recently hired Peter Steinberger, known as the developer of AI coding tool OpenClaw, signaling ongoing efforts to secure top talent.
Compensation levels sit at the top of the market. Research scientists earn base salaries ranging from $245,000 to $685,000. AI systems engineers and research engineers receive $200,000 to $460,000, while hardware engineers earn up to $555,000. Software engineers are paid between $170,000 and $490,000.
Data science roles offer $188,000 to $490,000. Security engineers receive $310,000 to $325,000, and software developers earn $325,000 in base pay. Product and design positions pay $210,000 to $325,000, while program management roles range from $150,000 to $355,000.
Sales and operations divisions also command high salaries. Go-to-market roles pay $180,000 to $290,000, and customer success positions offer $165,000 to $240,000. Finance staff earn $240,000 to $260,000, while support and community roles receive $180,000 to $235,000.
These figures reflect base salaries only, excluding stock compensation and performance bonuses. According to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI's approximately 4,000 employees received stock awards averaging $1.5 million per person. Total compensation packages significantly exceed base salary levels, analysts note.