Base salary is only half the story. See base plus equity, bonus, and signing for 3,445 roles.
Data updated
Why total comp matters
At AI labs like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind, annual equity grants often equal or exceed base salary. A Senior AI Engineer with a $280K base can receive another $250K in annual RSU vesting, a $40K target bonus, and a $25K signing bonus. That is a real total comp above $595K. Comparing offers using base salary alone systematically undervalues AI and Big Tech roles by 30 to 80 percent.
Common questions
At AI labs and Big Tech, equity can equal or exceed base salary. A Senior AI Engineer at Anthropic with a $280K base might receive another $250K in annual RSU vesting, a $40K bonus, and a $25K signing bonus. Total comp is the number that actually matters when comparing offers.
AI roles (AI Engineer, ML Engineer, Research Scientist) typically receive 25 to 35 percent of base in annual equity. Executive roles get 30 to 40 percent. Standard software engineering roles average 10 to 20 percent. Equity percentages are highest at pre-IPO AI labs and FAANG companies.
Yes. RSUs are taxed as ordinary income at vesting based on the stock price that day. You owe federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes immediately. Many tech workers sell-to-cover at vesting to fund the tax bill. California residents face an effective tax rate above 50 percent on RSU income.
Signing bonuses at AI labs and Big Tech range from $20K to $100K for experienced engineers. They are typically used to bridge the gap between your current unvested equity at your prior company and your new offer. Always ask. Companies budget for signing bonuses separately from base and equity.
No. The calculator shows cash comp only (base + bonus + signing) plus equity. Most tech companies add another 5 to 15 percent in 401(k) match, health insurance, mental health stipends, and other benefits. Factor those in when comparing offers.
Yes. Completely free, no account required, no email collection. All calculations are client-side in your browser. Data sourced from BLS OES and H-1B LCA (DOL), updated annually.
Key Fact
4-year vest
1-year cliff (default)
The Orbyt Total Comp Calculator models equity grants on the standard tech vesting schedule used by most public and late-stage private employers: 4-year linear vest with a 1-year cliff.