Microsoft is paying some of its artificial intelligence (AI) employees up to $1.4 million in stock compensation, according to a recently leaked internal spreadsheet. This comes amid a wave of mass layoffs at the company, highlighting a shift in how Microsoft rewards its AI talent, with stock now forming the largest part of their compensation packages, as reported by livemint.com.
The leaked data reveals that while base salaries and bonuses for Microsoft’s AI staff can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the most significant portion of their pay comes from stock awards. This compensation structure reflects the company's strategic focus on building its AI business despite workforce reductions. The internal spreadsheet was made public recently, shedding light on the pay divide within the company, according to livemint.com.
This compensation approach underscores the intense competition in the AI sector, where tech giants like Microsoft are investing heavily to attract and retain top talent. Offering substantial stock packages aligns employee incentives with the company’s long-term AI ambitions. This move is notable amid broader industry layoffs, contrasting with other sectors where pay cuts and reduced bonuses have been more common, livemint.com reports.
Microsoft’s compensation strategy for AI employees was detailed in the leaked spreadsheet published on August 26, 2026, providing a rare glimpse into the pay structures at one of the world’s leading technology firms, according to livemint.com.