OpenAI salaries uncovered: AI researcher, engineer, and key role pay details

Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman indicated that the AI lab would "significantly slow down" recruitment to prevent widespread layoffs that have affected the tech sector.

OpenAI keeps expanding. Government records indicate OpenAI is still hiring internationally. And the company's latest recognised hire — OpenClaw innovator Peter Steinberger — highlights that the competition for AI expertise is ongoing and fierce.

OpenAI's team is composed of graduates from Oxford-level institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon, and their pay reflects that. 

The company's staff of over 4,000 receives an average of $1.5 million in stock-based earnings, The Wall Street Journal noted.

While OpenAI doesn't make salary information publicly available, federal documents needed for employing foreign personnel provide insights into their basic pay for major roles. 

These documents reveal base salary alone, excluding stock options or bonuses that can substantially boost overall compensation.

In the prior quarter, from October to December 2025, OpenAI recruited over 60 international employees. 

This is an increase from the previous quarter, suggesting continuous growth despite the Trump administration's $100,000 charge on fresh H-1B visa petitions introduced in September.

OpenAI offers top-of-the-market pay in diverse areas. Research scientists receive the highest base pay, starting at $245,000 up to $685,000. 

Engineering roles can reach the mid-six figures, while sales positions draw between $165,000 and $290,000.