OpenAI Salaries in 2026
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company behind ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL-E. As the leading generative AI company, OpenAI develops foundation models and AI products used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Average Salary
$295,000
$24,583/mo
Total Compensation
$560,000
base + bonus + equity
Employees
4K
large company
Rating
4.2
★★★★☆
OpenAI Salary by Level
Salary progression from entry-level to director positions at OpenAI.
Entry-level employees at OpenAI earn around $200,000, while directors can earn $875,000 or more.
Top Paying Roles at OpenAI
| Role | Base Salary | Est. Total Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | $385,000 | $462,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $350,000 | $420,000 |
| Software Engineer | $325,000 | $390,000 |
| Product Manager | $295,000 | $354,000 |
| Policy Researcher | $225,000 | $270,000 |
Total compensation estimates include base salary and an average 20% bonus. Stock options/equity are offered but vary significantly by role and level.
OpenAI Benefits & Perks
OpenAI Salary Calculator
Select a role and experience level to estimate your salary at OpenAI.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Salary at OpenAI
$404,000
$33,667/month · $194.23/hr
Est. total comp with 20% bonus: $484,800
About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company behind ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL-E. As the leading generative AI company, OpenAI develops foundation models and AI products used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA
Founded
2015
Industry
Technology
Company Size
large
Employees
3,500
Median Salary
$275,000
Hourly Rate
$141.83/hr
Monthly Pay
$24,583
OpenAI Employee Ratings
4.2
★★★★☆
Overall Rating
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