A recent Business Insider article details Meta's compensation for AI roles, highlighting salaries for AI engineers and researchers in 2025. Based on data from levels. fyi and internal sources, the report shows Meta offering competitive pay to attract top AI talent amid fierce industry competition.
For AI engineers, salaries vary by experience and role. Entry-level AI engineers earn around $150,000-$200,000 annually, including base pay, bonuses, and stock awards. Mid-level engineers, such as those with 3-5 years of experience, can expect $250,000-$400,000, while senior AI engineers or leads command $500,000-$800,000 or more, especially for specialized roles in generative AI or machine learning infrastructure. AI researchers, often with PhDs, see similar ranges. Junior researchers earn approximately $180,000-$250,000, while senior researchers or those leading AI labs can make $400,000-$700,000, with top performers nearing $1 million when factoring in equity. The article notes Meta’s push to bolster its AI division, competing with firms like OpenAI and Google. Beyond salaries, Meta offers perks like flexible work arrangements and significant stock grants vesting over four years. However, compensation varies based on location, with higher pay in high-cost areas like Menlo Park or New York. These figures reflect Meta’s aggressive bid to lead in AI development, as companies race to innovate in the field.