OpenAI salaries revealed: How much the ChatGPT maker pays AI researchers, engineers, and other key roles

OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, continues to attract top talent in the AI sector, even as the tech industry faces significant hiring slowdowns. Earlier this year, CEO Sam Altman announced that the company would "dramatically slow down" its recruitment efforts to prevent mass layoffs. However, recent federal filings indicate that OpenAI’s growth remains robust, with an influx of international hires, including notable figures like Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw. The company employs over 4,000 individuals, many of whom come from prestigious institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon. According to reports, these employees receive an impressive average of $1.5 million in stock-based compensation. Though OpenAI does not publicly share detailed salary information, the required federal filings for hiring foreign workers provide insights into its compensation structure. These filings reveal base salaries only, excluding potential bonuses and stock awards that can significantly enhance overall earnings. In the latest quarter, which covers hires from October to December 2025, OpenAI added more than 60 international employees, a notable increase from the previous quarter. This growth persists despite the $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications by the Trump administration in September. OpenAI is known for offering competitive salaries across various roles. Research scientists are at the top of the pay scale, earning between $245,000 and $685,000, while engineering positions can also reach impressive mid-six-figure salaries. Sales roles typically command salaries ranging from $165,000 to $290,000. A detailed breakdown of salaries for over 160 positions reveals the following: - Intelligence & Investigations Staff: $320,000 to $382,500 - AI Systems Engineer: $245,000 to $460,000 - Research Engineer: $210,000 to $460,000 - Research Scientist: $245,000 to $685,000 - Data Science Staff: $188,885 to $405,000 - Hardware Engineer: $250,000 to $555,000 - Software Developer: $325,000 - Product Management: $210,000 to $325,000 - Finance Staff: $240,000 to $260,000 These figures illustrate the competitive nature of salaries at OpenAI and its commitment to attracting and retaining the best minds in artificial intelligence.