Meta, Google, and Microsoft offer top researchers up to $300,000 annually—and up to $1.5M over four years. Meta recently poached key AI experts from Google DeepMind, boosting its Gemini model team. The move highlights the fierce global competition for AI brains, with big tech ready to pay handsomely to stay ahead.
The demand for AI specialists is growing as companies push the boundaries of machine learning and large language models. Firms are not only offering high salaries, but also stock options, bonuses, and flexible work arrangements to attract the best minds.
Analysts say this trend will likely continue, with AI becoming a key factor in corporate strategy and market dominance. The competition is global, and companies are prepared to invest heavily to secure experts who can deliver breakthroughs.
For the Adria region, the AI talent race could push the region’s best talent to seek opportunities overseas, but it can also stimulate local companies and universities to invest more in AI development.
