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Startups Boost Salaries to Attract Top AI Talent

7/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Early-stage startups are raising salaries and equity packages to attract AI talent.
Top AI engineers now earn between $300,000 and $400,000 in base salary, with equity ranging from 2% to 5%.
Startups offer ownership, remote work options, and expedited hiring to entice candidates.
The competitive landscape has fostered intense work cultures, echoing China's "996 culture."

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Story summary

Early-stage startups are raising salaries and equity packages to attract AI talent.
Top AI engineers now earn between $300,000 and $400,000 in base salary, with equity ranging from 2% to 5%.
Startups offer ownership, remote work options, and expedited hiring to entice candidates.
The competitive landscape has fostered intense work cultures, echoing China's "996 culture."