In the escalating war for AI talent, Google GOOGL is pulling out all the stops, offering substantial salaries to lure top-tier professionals
What Happened: Recent data reveals that software engineers at the tech giant can earn as much as $340,000. According to reports, Google is revamping its pay structure to stay competitive. This move follows similar strategies by other tech behemoths like Meta and Microsoft, who are concentrating on weeding out low performers.
In a strategic shift in April, Google modified its employee ranking system during annual performance reviews, underscoring the value of high performance.
As per the report by Insider, while Google’s salary data is kept under wraps, publicly accessible work-visa data provides a glimpse into the company’s pay structure. The data indicates that Google’s software engineers can command salaries up to $340,000.
It’s crucial to clarify that these figures represent only the base salaries and do not account for the equity or bonuses that Google employees also receive.
Also Read: Google Salary Leak Reveals Mind-blowing Earnings Top Engineers Make
Despite the hefty paychecks, a number of employees still consider themselves underpaid, as per a 2023 internal spreadsheet obtained by Business Insider.
Google has yet to comment on the salary data, which is based on approximately 6,800 applications from the first quarter of 2025.
Why It Matters: The tech industry is currently in a fierce battle for AI talent, with companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft vying for the best professionals. Google’s decision to offer substantial salaries is a strategic move to attract and retain top talent in this highly competitive field.
The company’s shift in its employee ranking system further emphasizes its focus on high performance and productivity.
However, the feeling of being underpaid among some employees, despite the high salaries, underscores the challenges tech giants face in maintaining employee satisfaction and morale.
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