Meta salaries revealed: How much engineers, researchers made in 2025
In 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, made headlines with its impressive salary offerings for engineers, researchers, and other technical roles. This article delves into the salary data, revealing how much top talent earned at Meta and what factors influenced these compensation packages.
Overview of Salary Data
Business Insider analyzed over 5,800 federal H-1B and other work visa applications filed by Meta in 2025. The findings provide a detailed look at the compensation structure within the company, highlighting the lucrative salaries offered to attract top talent in the competitive tech landscape.
Top Salaries at Meta
Meta’s commitment to hiring top-tier talent is evident in the staggering salaries reported. Here are some of the highest salaries for various roles:
- Software Engineer: Up to $450,000
- Research Engineer: Up to $400,000
- Product Manager: Up to $348,000
- Vice President of AI: $650,000
These figures represent base salaries and do not include stock options, bonuses, or other benefits, which can significantly enhance total compensation.
Salary Ranges for Key Roles
Machine Learning and AI Researchers
Meta’s focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning is reflected in the salaries for these specialized roles:
- AI Research Scientist: $163,800 to $328,000
- Machine Learning Engineer: $165,000 to $250,602
- Machine Learning Systems Engineer: $250,000
- Product Manager, Machine Learning: $252,000
- Software Engineer, Machine Learning: $144,096 to $293,118
Researcher Salaries
Research positions at Meta also command impressive salaries:
- Applied Research Scientist: $181,786 to $265,129
- Research Engineer: $124,000 to $400,000
- Research Scientist: $135,516 to $302,134
- User Experience Researcher: $170,000 to $242,050
Engineer Salaries
Engineering roles at Meta are equally lucrative:
- ASIC & FPGA Engineer: $299,880
- Embedded Software Engineer: $169,313 to $269,081
- Senior Staff Software Engineer: $311,029
- Software Engineering Manager: $200,907 to $328,000
Data Scientist and Engineer Salaries
Data roles are critical at Meta, with competitive salaries as well:
- Data Engineer: $125,068 to $270,000
- Data Scientist: $122,760 to $295,703
- Data Science Manager: $230,498 to $305,000
Product Management Salaries
Product management roles also see substantial compensation:
- Product Manager: $165,485 to $348,101
- Product Design Director: $328,103 to $344,171
- Technical Program Manager: $164,131 to $289,397
Hiring Trends and Visa Implications
Meta’s hiring practices have been influenced by changes in the H-1B visa program. In 2025, the company saw a significant decrease in H-1B visa filings, which roughly halved compared to the previous year. This decline was attributed to stricter scrutiny and increased costs associated with the visa application process.
Despite these challenges, Meta continued to focus on expanding its workforce, particularly in specialized areas like AI and machine learning.
Conclusion
Meta’s salary offerings in 2025 reflect the company’s strategy to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive tech industry. With base salaries reaching as high as $450,000 for software engineers and $650,000 for vice presidents, it is clear that Meta is willing to invest significantly in its workforce. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, these compensation trends will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of employment in the industry.
Note: The figures mentioned in this article are based on data from 2025 and may not represent current salary trends.
