Meta is willing to pay top dollar for AI talent, indicating robust compensation packages for its expansive workforce. According to federal filings, software engineers at Meta can earn a base salary ranging from $120,000 to $480,000, while product designers and researchers have salaries exceeding $200,000. Data scientists make up to $270,000.
The data stems from required documents filed for the H-1B visa program, which aims to hire highly skilled foreign workers. AI research scientists at Meta earn between $179,481 and $232,000, while data analysts earn between $168,000 and $204,000, and design engineers earn between $185,000 and $256,270. On the managerial side, software engineering managers earn between $219,978 and $328,000 in base pay, while senior product managers make $224,323, and research scientist managers earn $258,524.
Meta is currently competing with OpenAI and other AI companies for a limited pool of top AI talent.
Meta’s competitive AI pay packages
The company recently announced that it would house its AI initiatives under a new team called MSL. It revealed 11 new hires for the team, including former researchers from Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI.
Additionally, Meta invested in the AI data training startup Scale AI last month, acquiring a 49% stake. As part of the deal, Meta appointed Scale AI’s 28-year-old CEO to lead MSL. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned last month that Meta attempted to poach OpenAI staff with significant monetary offers.
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, denied the report at a leaked all-hands meeting, labeling Altman “dishonest” for his claims. “Look, you guys, the market is hot,” Bosworth stated. “It’s not that hot.”
Following news of the meeting, OpenAI’s Chief Research Officer, Mark Chen, acknowledged Meta’s aggressive recruiting efforts in a memo to staff.
The competition for AI talent remains intense as companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google vie for top-tier researchers and engineers in a rapidly evolving field.
Kirstie a technology news reporter at DevX. She reports on emerging technologies and startups waiting to skyrocket.
