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Home / Compensation / Perplexity vs Scale AI
Perplexity pays about 9% more than Scale AI for a mid-level Software Engineer: $520K vs $475K median total comp. Below is the full level-by-level breakdown for every role ladder both companies share, from public-source data.
Public-source estimates (Beta). Figures are annualized USD total compensation (base + equity + bonus).
Perplexity pays about 9% more than Scale AI for a mid-level Software Engineer: $520K vs $475K median total comp. Overall ranges run $250K - $1.1M at Perplexity and $185K - $930K at Scale AI across all levels.
| Company | Entry (p50) | Mid (p50) | Senior (p50) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perplexity | $305K | $520K | $650K |
| Scale AI | $220K | $475K | $640K |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| EngineerSoftware Engineer | $250K - $455Kmedian $305K |
| SeniorSenior Software Engineer | $330K - $605Kmedian $400K |
| StaffStaff Software Engineer | $425K - $815Kmedian $520K |
| PrincipalPrincipal Engineer | $525K - $1.1Mmedian $650K |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| L3Software Engineer (New Grad) | $185K - $305Kmedian $220K |
| L4Software Engineer | $320K - $530Kmedian $380K |
| L5Senior Software Engineer | $400K - $670Kmedian $475K |
| L6Staff Software Engineer | $530K - $930Kmedian $640K |
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