Meta AI Researcher Salaries: Millions, But No $100M Bonuses

Meta's AI Talent Acquisition and Compensation

Reports suggesting Meta is offering $100 million signing bonuses to AI researchers are largely inaccurate, according to a researcher who recently transitioned to the company and details from a disclosed internal discussion.

During a company-wide meeting on Thursday, as reported by The Verge, Meta executives addressed claims made by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman regarding Meta’s recruitment offers.

Clarification on Compensation Structure

Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, indicated that substantial financial packages – potentially reaching the reported figures – were limited to a select few candidates filling very senior leadership positions.

However, he emphasized that the “actual terms of the offer” differed from a simple signing bonus, encompassing various components. Typically, technology firms structure significant compensation through restricted stock unit (RSU) grants, vesting over time or contingent upon performance.

A total compensation package valued at approximately $100 million over four years is plausible for a high-ranking executive at Meta.

Market Realities and Altman's Claims

Bosworth stated that Altman’s implication of widespread $100 million offers was an exaggeration, noting, “The market’s hot. It’s not that hot.” (Meta has not yet publicly responded to requests for further comment.)

Lucas Beyer, a researcher who recently left OpenAI for Meta, confirmed his move along with colleagues from OpenAI’s Zurich office via a social media post.

He explicitly refuted the $100 million signing bonus claim, labeling it as “fake news.” (Beyer declined to elaborate further on his new role to TechCrunch.)

Strategic Focus and Key Hires

Beyer specializes in computer vision AI, aligning with Meta’s strategic emphasis on entertainment AI, as opposed to productivity-focused AI, according to Bosworth’s statements in the meeting.

Meta is already invested in this area through its Quest VR headsets and its AI-powered Ray-Ban and Oakley eyewear.

Despite the clarification on signing bonuses, Meta is actively pursuing and securing top AI talent.

As previously reported by TechCrunch, Meta has recruited Trapit Bansal from OpenAI, a prominent figure known for his contributions to AI reasoning models. Bansal joined OpenAI in 2022.

Acquisition and Shareholder Value

Alexandr Wang, co-founder and CEO of Scale, is receiving a substantial financial benefit as part of Meta’s acquisition of a 49% stake in his company.

The $14 billion investment is being distributed to Scale shareholders as a cash dividend, with Wang likely being a significant beneficiary.

Competitive Landscape and Offer Rejections

While Meta isn’t indiscriminately offering $100 million bonuses, the company is demonstrably investing heavily in AI recruitment.

An investor source revealed that an AI researcher received and declined an $18 million offer from Meta.

This individual ultimately accepted a smaller, yet still considerable, offer from Thinking Machines Lab, led by Mira Murati.