As the competition for AI dominance intensifies across Big Tech, Apple is struggling to keep pace with rivals like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.
In a sign of mounting internal pressure, four of Apple’s top AI researchers recently left for Meta, according to Bloomberg. In response, Apple has reportedly increased compensation for members of its Apple Foundation Models (AFM) team—underscoring the growing “talent wars” in AI.
Apple unveiled its “Apple Intelligence” platform last year. But at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi admitted that Siri still needs “more time,” reflecting the company’s more cautious, under-the-radar approach compared to its flashier competitors.
Still, Apple is actively hiring. The company currently has hundreds of open roles in AI and machine learning, and landing a position there remains a dream for many technologists.
In a 2023 interview with singer Dua Lipa, CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s focus on hiring people from “all walks of life,” highlighting values like creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. “We all believe that one plus one equals three,” he said. “Your idea plus my idea is better than either one on its own.”
Apple offers generous benefits, including competitive salaries, stock grants, and discounts on Apple products. While it doesn’t publicly share detailed salary information, federal filings tied to foreign worker applications reveal base salary ranges for many roles. These figures don’t include bonuses or equity, so total compensation can be even higher.
Here’s a breakdown of Apple’s salary ranges (base pay only) across key roles, based on second-quarter 2025 hiring data:
AI & Machine Learning Roles
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Machine Learning Engineer: $143,100 – $312,200
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Machine Learning Researcher: $114,100 – $312,200
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General Machine Learning: $126,880 – $329,600
Data Roles
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Data Engineer: $105,602 – $234,700
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Data Scientist: $105,550 – $322,400
Software Development Roles
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Software Developer: $132,267 – $264,200
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Software Development Engineer: $132,267 – $378,700
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SDE – Applications: $132,267 – $378,700
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SDE – Data: $135,400 – $329,600
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SDE – Firmware: $126,880 – $312,200
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SDE – Test: $94,640 – $329,600
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Software Engineering – Applications: $103,164 – $378,700
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Software Engineering – Systems: $126,880 – $329,600
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Software Engineering Manager (Apps): $171,400 – $378,700
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Software Development Engineering Manager: $166,691 – $378,700
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AR/VR Software Development: $129,805 – $312,200
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Human Interface Designer: $135,400 – $468,500
Engineering Roles
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CPU Implementation Engineering: $103,164 – $264,200
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Design for Test Engineer: $131,352 – $293,800
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Design Verification: $103,164 – $312,200
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Electronics Engineer: $108,160 – $264,200
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Engineering Program Manager: $105,550 – $301,400
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Front-End Engineering (FE): $125,694 – $312,200
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Hardware Development: $124,942 – $293,800
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Hardware Systems Engineering: $125,495 – $378,700
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Manufacturing Quality: $142,293 – $227,600
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Module Design Engineer: $108,796 – $329,600
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Physical Design Engineer: $101,982 – $341,200
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Production Services Engineer: $122,800 – $293,800
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Reliability Engineering: $128,300 – $264,200
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RF/Analog/Mixed Signal Engineering: $131,352 – $312,200
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Silicon Validation Engineering: $103,164 – $329,600
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System Product Design Engineer: $103,164 – $312,200
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Tools & Automation Engineer: $105,602 – $293,800
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Wireless Systems Engineering: $128,300 – $312,200
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Wireless Systems Validation Engineer: $126,672 – $312,200
Other Corporate Roles
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Professional Services Consultant: $100,200 – $258,700
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Strategic Sourcing Manager: $110,600 – $286,400
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Supply Demand Planning: $100,200 – $209,900
While Apple may be moving more quietly than others in the AI space, its hiring activity and compensation packages indicate that it’s still very much in the game—and working to retain and attract top talent as the AI arms race accelerates.