A fierce and quiet competition is unfolding in the tech world—not over the next big app or gadget, but over top-tier talent in artificial intelligence. Meta, which is betting heavily on AI, is leading this race by offering eye-popping salaries to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Meta’s AI Talent Hunt: Salaries Soaring Beyond $440K Base Pay
Recent H-1B visa filings reveal that Meta is offering base salaries as high as $440,000 (₹3.76 crore) to AI research engineers. And that’s only the starting point. When stock options, bonuses, and other benefits are added, the total compensation often doubles or triples. Software engineers fare even better, with some base salaries reportedly reaching $480,000. Other roles, including machine learning engineers, data science managers, UX researchers, and product designers, are also seeing six-figure salaries across the board.
However, these filings don’t reveal the complete picture—some of the largest earnings in tech come from restricted stock units and bonuses, especially for those working on cutting-edge AI projects. These hidden figures make the real earnings significantly higher than what the public records show.
The AI Salary Surge: Tech Giants and Startups Battle for Top Talent
Meta isn’t alone in this salary arms race. Startups like Thinking Machines Lab, founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, are offering base salaries up to $500,000—before even launching a product. Across Silicon Valley and beyond, companies are pouring money into AI talent, knowing that the right minds could provide a competitive edge that determines the future.
What’s striking is how rapidly the salary landscape has shifted. Just a few years ago, such paychecks seemed implausible; now, they’re becoming standard for those with AI expertise. As AI continues to evolve, demand for skilled professionals is rising, and so are the stakes. Whether this trend leads to a new norm or a future market correction remains uncertain. For now, one thing is clear: if you’re working in AI, it’s never been a better time to check your inbox.
Summary:
Tech giants like Meta and emerging startups are fiercely competing for top AI talent, offering base salaries up to $500,000. Meta leads with AI engineers earning $440,000–$480,000, excluding bonuses and stock. As AI demand surges, salaries are skyrocketing, making this a golden era for skilled professionals in the field.
