"A senior machine learning engineer at a top European AI lab can expect to earn between €120,000 and €180,000 annually. Their counterpart at Google DeepMind's US offices, OpenAI, or Anthropic routinely commands $350,000 to $700,000 in total compensation - sometimes more when stock is factored in."
"Europe has never had more money flowing into artificial intelligence. Venture capital firms across the continent poured a record €10.4 billion into AI startups in 2024, according to Dealroom data. Government-backed funds in France, Germany, and the Netherlands have launched ambitious AI strategies."
"When a researcher sees colleagues who moved stateside watching their stock trades near life-changing valuations, the pull becomes visceral. It's not greed - it's rational behaviour. Europe's tax regimes, particularly in countries like Belgium, France, and Germany, further compress take-home pay, making the gap feel even wider."
Europe experienced record venture capital investment in AI startups during 2024, with €10.4 billion flowing into the sector alongside government-backed initiatives in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, this unprecedented funding has not reversed the continent's brain drain of elite AI researchers and founders who continue relocating to the United States. The primary driver is compensation disparity: senior machine learning engineers in Europe earn €120,000-€180,000 annually, while US counterparts at companies like Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic earn $350,000-$700,000 plus substantial stock options. European tax structures further reduce take-home pay, widening the gap. The equity component proves particularly compelling, as stock in fast-growing US AI companies can generate life-changing wealth. European venture capital funds companies rather than matching individual compensation packages offered by US tech giants, leaving the fundamental incentive structure unchanged despite record funding levels.
Read at Silicon Canals
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]