OpenAI Breaks Records With Employee Compensation Averaging Rs 1.35 Crore

OpenAI has achieved the highest average employee compensation ever recorded for a startup, according to reports from Financial Express and Economic Times. With approximately 4,000 employees, the company’s average payout in 2025 stood at Rs 1.35 crore, driven largely by stock-based pay and aggressive retention incentives.  

The compensation surge reflects OpenAI’s efforts to safeguard its workforce against poaching by rivals such as Meta and Google. Equity packages, vesting bonuses, and cash incentives have been extended across engineering and research teams, highlighting the company’s focus on long-term stability as it prepares for potential IPO valuations.  

Key Highlights  

• Average compensation for OpenAI employees reached Rs 1.35 crore in 2025  
• Stock-based pay and equity grants form the bulk of packages  
• Retention bonuses offered to engineering and technical staff to counter poaching  
• OpenAI’s workforce strength stands at approximately 4,000 employees  
• Company positioning itself for long-term growth and potential IPO valuation near $1 trillion  

Conclusion  
OpenAI’s record-breaking compensation packages signal a new era in tech talent economics. By prioritizing retention and rewarding innovation, the company is setting benchmarks for the industry while reinforcing its dominance in the global AI race.  

Sources: Financial Express, Economic Times, Levels.fyi