Meta Platforms is significantly increasing salaries for AI experts, senior engineers, and product leaders as evidenced by over 5,800 federal visa applications submitted in 2025. Most new hires are seeing base salaries ranging from $150,000 to $250,000, with specialized positions offering even higher compensation.
Software engineers earn between $124,000 and $450,000, AI research scientists can expect salaries of $163,800 to $328,000, and machine learning engineers receive offers typically ranging from $165,000 to $250,602. Furthermore, a vice president of engineering focused on AI has a reported base salary of $650,000. Total compensation for top AI researchers could exceed $100 million when including stock awards and incentives.
As of the end of 2025, Meta had 78,865 employees and continues to hire in AI, infrastructure, and product development despite layoffs in other divisions. The rising competition for skilled talent has been intensified by recent changes in U.S. visa regulations, resulting in fewer filings.
