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OpenAI Research Scientist Salaries

Research Scientist compensation in United States at OpenAI ranges from $766K per year for L4 to $1.47M per year for L5. The median yearly compensation package in United States totals $800K. View the base salary, stock, and bonus breakdowns for OpenAI's total compensation packages. Last updated: 8/16/2026

Average Level
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Level Name
Total
Base
Stock ()
Bonus
L2
(Entry Level)
$ --
$ --
$ --
$ --
L3
$ --
$ --
$ --
$ --
L4
$766K
$293K
$473K
$0
L5
$1.47M
$412K
$1.05M
$0
View 1 More Levels
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Vesting Schedule

25%

YR 1

25%

YR 2

25%

YR 3

25%

YR 4

Stock Type
RSU

At OpenAI, RSUs are subject to a 4-year vesting schedule:

  • 25% vests in the 1st-YR (25.00% annually)

  • 25% vests in the 2nd-YR (25.00% annually)

  • 25% vests in the 3rd-YR (25.00% annually)

  • 25% vests in the 4th-YR (25.00% annually)

25%

YR 1

25%

YR 2

25%

YR 3

25%

YR 4

Stock Type
RSU

At OpenAI, RSUs are subject to a 4-year vesting schedule:

  • 25% vests in the 1st-YR (25.00% annually)

  • 25% vests in the 2nd-YR (2.08% monthly)

  • 25% vests in the 3rd-YR (2.08% monthly)

  • 25% vests in the 4th-YR (2.08% monthly)

25%

YR 1

25%

YR 2

25%

YR 3

25%

YR 4

Stock Type
RSU

At OpenAI, RSUs are subject to a 4-year vesting schedule:

  • 25% vests in the 1st-YR (6.25% quarterly)

  • 25% vests in the 2nd-YR (6.25% quarterly)

  • 25% vests in the 3rd-YR (6.25% quarterly)

  • 25% vests in the 4th-YR (6.25% quarterly)



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FAQ

The highest paying salary package reported for a Research Scientist at OpenAI in United States sits at a yearly total compensation of $1,820,000. This includes base salary as well as any potential stock compensation and bonuses.
The median yearly total compensation reported at OpenAI for the Research Scientist role in United States is $880,000.
When negotiating your Research Scientist offer at OpenAI, leverage salary data to understand market rates, highlight your relevant experience, and consider all components of the compensation package. Our professional negotiators have helped candidates secure $50K+ more in total compensation.

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