As Mark Zuckerberg intensifies efforts to build Meta’s new superintelligence lab, the tech giant is reportedly offering staggering pay packages to lure top-tier AI researchers. According to WIRED, these packages could reach up to $300 million over four years, with more than $100 million in total compensation for the first year alone. Sources indicate that Meta has extended at least ten lucrative offers to staffers from OpenAI, a leading player in artificial intelligence.
One prominent researcher was even approached for the role of chief scientist but declined the offer, multiple sources familiar with the negotiations revealed. While these packages include equity, insiders note that the stock vests immediately in the first year, adding to the appeal of the offers.
Meta’s Strategic Recruitment Drive
The announcement comes as Meta seeks to solidify its position in the competitive AI landscape. “That’s about how much it would take for me to go work at Meta,” commented an OpenAI staffer, who spoke to WIRED under anonymity due to restrictions on speaking publicly about the company. Other employees are reportedly weighing the financial incentives against the potential impact they could have at Meta compared to OpenAI, with several believing their contributions would be more significant at the latter.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has refuted claims of exaggerated compensation packages, stating, “These statements are untrue – the size and structure of these compensation packages have been misrepresented all over the place.” A senior engineer at Meta confirmed their annual pay at approximately $850,000, a figure dwarfed by the new offers. Engineers in a higher pay band (E7) reportedly earn an average of $1.54 million annually, according to data from Levels.FYI.
Industry Comparisons and Market Dynamics
Meanwhile, Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s chief technology officer, clarified during a recent employee Q&A that not all recruits are receiving $100 million offers. “Look, you guys, the market’s hot. It’s not that hot. Okay? So it’s just a lie,” he stated. He emphasized that only a small number of leadership roles command such premiums and noted that OpenAI is countering these offers.
For context, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, received $79.1 million in total compensation in 2024, primarily in stock, as per a financial filing. Similarly, Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi earned roughly $39.4 million, also largely in stock, in the same year. These figures highlight the extraordinary nature of Meta’s offers in the current market.
The Formation of Meta’s Superintelligence Labs
On Monday, Zuckerberg introduced Meta’s new superintelligence team in a note to staff. Alexandr Wang, formerly CEO of Scale AI, has been appointed as Meta’s chief AI officer, alongside Nat Friedman, previously leading GitHub. Together, they will co-lead the newly established Meta Superintelligence Labs. Notably, the company has not yet named a chief scientist or chief research officer, and neither Wang nor Friedman are traditional researchers.
Despite the buzz, a source with knowledge of the contracts confirmed that none of the OpenAI staffers who transitioned to Meta received the $300 million offer. This development underscores the competitive nature of the AI talent war, as companies vie for the brightest minds to advance their technological capabilities.
Implications and Future Prospects
The move represents a significant step in Meta’s ambition to lead in AI innovation, positioning itself against rivals like OpenAI and Google. As the tech industry continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for skilled AI professionals is expected to grow, potentially driving compensation packages even higher.
Looking ahead, the success of Meta’s superintelligence lab will likely hinge on its ability to attract and retain top talent, while fostering an environment that encourages groundbreaking research and development. As the AI landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the strategies employed by major tech firms will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders.
For those with insights into the ongoing AI talent war, WIRED encourages secure communication via Signal at zoeschiffer.87, using non-work devices to maintain confidentiality.
