Updated 2026-05-22 · Total compensation by level including base, stock, and bonus
| Level | Base Salary | Stock/yr | Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3 (SWE) | $200,000 | $200,000 | $0 | $400,000 |
| L4 (Senior SWE) | $280,000 | $500,000 | $0 | $780,000 |
| L5 (Staff SWE) | $340,000 | $900,000 | $0 | $1,240,000 |
OpenAI PPUs (Profit Participation Units) are NOT traditional RSUs — their value depends on future tender offers. Negotiate for higher base if you prefer liquidity.