Here's How Much Money OpenAI Employees Make - Including One Role That Pays Up to $685,000 Per Year

"The ChatGPT-maker does not publicly disclose salary data, but it is required to submit federal filings with salary figures when hiring foreign workers. The resulting data, viewed by Business Insider, shows that OpenAI pays engineering roles in the mid-six figures, while research scientists command salaries from $245,000 to $685,000."

"The pay data reveals that OpenAI employees are among the best-compensated workers in Silicon Valley - perhaps due to competitive pressures. Last year, the company said it was "recalibrating" pay in response to Meta poaching talent from their company."

"The federal filings result from OpenAI hiring employees on H-1B visas, or visas for foreign workers with specialized skills. In September, the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B visa application filed in the U.S."

Federal filings reveal OpenAI's compensation structure for H-1B visa workers, showing research scientists earn $245,000 to $685,000 in base salary, excluding stock awards and bonuses. Engineering roles command mid-six-figure salaries. OpenAI does not publicly disclose salary data but must file federal documentation when hiring foreign workers with specialized skills. Despite a $100,000 Trump administration fee for H-1B visa applications, OpenAI onboarded over 60 new H-1B workers from October to December 2025 and filed over 160 applications throughout the year. The company's competitive compensation reflects efforts to retain talent amid competition from Meta and other tech companies.

Read at Entrepreneur