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Home / Compensation / OpenAI / Software Engineer
Total compensation for a OpenAI Software Engineer ranges from about $290K at the entry level to $2.5M+ at the most senior bands, with a typical mid-level package around $680K. Below is the full breakdown by level - base salary, annual equity, and bonus - from public-source data.
Public-source estimates (Beta). Last updated 2026-05. Figures are annualized USD.
| Level | Years | Base (p50) | Equity/yr (p50) | Bonus (p50) | Total (p25-p90) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3Software Engineer (Junior) | 1-3 YOE | $245K | $80K | - | $290K - $490K |
| L4Software Engineer | 3-7 YOE | $285K | $185K | - | $400K - $770K |
| L5Senior Software Engineer | 6-11 YOE | $330K | $320K | - | $540K - $1.1M |
| L6Staff Software Engineer | 10-15 YOE | $380K | $540K | - | $760K - $1.6M |
| L7Senior Staff Software Engineer | 13+ YOE | $450K | $870K | - | $1.1M - $2.5M |
Junior IC. Equity values quoted at tender price; PPU cap not typically a concern at this level.
Mid-level IC. Most-common level for external hires.
Senior IC. PPU cap considerations begin to matter at this comp level.
Staff IC. PPU cap is a meaningful constraint on upside; structure reviewed at this level.
Senior staff. Highly competitive market for ML talent. Realized comp depends on PPU cap and tender outcomes.
The offer calculator compares your current and target offers 4 years out - vesting, refresh grants, and federal + state + FICA tax - so you negotiate with real take-home numbers.
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