Microsoft's Salary Secrets: What Engineers, AI Experts, and Product Managers Really Earn

Strategic Layoffs

Massive Paydays

At Microsoft, a striking paradox is defining the company's current era: even as thousands face layoffs, a select group of employees—particularly those at the forefront of artificial intelligence—are being rewarded with massive paydays. This dual strategy of trimming and investing highlights a seismic shift where AI expertise has become the new gold.

The tech giant is pouring billions into its AI tool, Copilot, and remains the primary backer of OpenAI. An internal document reviewed by TruthSider confirms that top AI talent is earning significantly more than peers in other divisions. Simultaneously, Microsoft is strategically restructuring, phasing out some roles in favor of technical specialists who can sell complex AI solutions.

Microsoft's Strategic Pivot

AI Dominance

Microsoft is betting its future on leading the AI race, investing heavily in products like Copilot and rewarding employees who can build and sell them.

Enterprise Focus

The company is shifting its sales force from traditional roles to technical specialists better equipped to handle complex, high-value AI deals.

Competitive Pressure

With intense competition from Google and even its own partner, OpenAI, Microsoft is using high salaries and retention bonuses to lock down critical AI talent.

Microsoft Salary Ranges (Base Pay)

Key Roles at Microsoft

Role	Base Salary Range
Software Engineering	$82,971 – $284,000
Hardware Engineering	$136,000 – $270,641
Data Science	$121,200 – $274,500
Silicon Engineering	$116,334 – $275,000
Product Management	$122,800 – $250,000
Cloud Solution Architecture	$130,000 – $207,285

LinkedIn Salary Ranges (Base Pay)

Specialized Roles at LinkedIn

Role	Base Salary Range
Staff Software Engineer, Machine Learning	$190,486 – $336,000
Staff Software Engineer, Systems	$190,486 – $336,000
Manager, Software Engineering	$197,185 – $301,000
Senior Software Engineer, Machine Learning	$154,000 – $278,000
Product Manager	$141,000 – $252,000

Note on Data: The salary figures represent base pay only and do not include stock awards or bonuses, which can significantly increase total compensation. The data is based on an analysis of roughly 5,400 foreign work visa applications from the first quarter of 2025.