As artificial intelligence reshapes the tech industry, Meta (formerly Facebook) is leading the charge in attracting and retaining top AI talent with some of the most competitive compensation packages in Silicon Valley. In 2025, the company’s salary structures for AI engineers, researchers, and other technical roles reflect both the fierce talent wars and the growing demand for expertise in machine learning, generative AI, and large-scale systems.
The highest-paid research engineers at Meta can earn up to $440,000 in base salary, while software engineers can reach $480,000. These figures do not include stock grants, signing bonuses, or other perks, which can often double or triple the total compensation package.
ASIC Engineer: $165,568 – $299,880
Business Engineer: $137,000 – $228,538
Design Engineer: $185,000 – $256,270
Electrical Engineer: $164,000 – $255,000
Embedded Software Engineer: $169,313 – $262,822
Engineering Director: $352,310 – $353,042
Data Scientist: Up to $270,000
Several factors determine the salary and total compensation for AI engineers and researchers at Meta:
Academic Background: Advanced degrees (MS, PhD) in computer science or related fields.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and experience with deep learning frameworks.
Research Publications: Contributions to major AI conferences.
Previous Experience: Track record of impactful projects and leadership in AI.
Specialization: Expertise in high-demand areas such as generative AI, computer vision, or large language models.
The competition for AI talent is so intense that Meta has reportedly offered some AI researchers compensation packages worth up to $300 million over four years as it builds out its Superintelligence lab. The company’s aggressive hiring has led to high-profile talent moves, such as luring away top researchers from OpenAI, intensifying the rivalry among tech giants.
For roles based in India, the average salary for an AI Engineer at Meta is around ₹16.2 lakh per year, with reported ranges from ₹15.5 lakh to ₹16.9 lakh. Some professionals have reported earning up to ₹27.4 lakh per year at the 90th percentile. These salaries are significantly higher than the national average for AI engineers in India, reflecting Meta’s premium for top talent.