Apple Discloses 2025 Salaries for AI, Engineering, Software Roles

In 2025, Apple has disclosed competitive base salaries for a variety of roles in engineering, AI, and software development through mandatory federal filings for foreign hires, revealing pay that positions it strongly in the ongoing AI talent race. Software developers at Apple can earn up to $378,700, data engineers up to $329,600, and AI researchers as much as $312,200 annually, with human interface designers commanding salaries up to $468,500, excluding bonuses and stock options. Despite these high salaries, Apple faces significant challenges retaining top AI talent, as at least four senior AI researchers recently defected to Meta, which is offering even more lucrative packages, including a reported $200 million compensation for a leading AI executive. Apple continues to invest heavily in its AI initiatives, such as the Apple Foundation Models group, and CEO Tim Cook emphasizes collaboration and creativity as core company values that attract talent. While Apple lags slightly behind some rivals in AI breakthroughs and product rollouts, its comprehensive compensation strategy, including equity grants, aims to secure and motivate its workforce amid fierce industry competition. The disclosed salary data highlights Apple's strategic efforts to remain a coveted employer in the competitive landscape of AI development.