Leading artificial intelligence companies are intensifying their pursuit of talent, particularly among interns and entry-level candidates, by offering unprecedented salary packages. Organizations such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google DeepMind are not only competing for established experts but are significantly investing in undiscovered talent through lucrative internships, fellowships, and residency programs.
This shift highlights a growing trend where short-term, entry-level roles in AI now boast salaries that rival full-time positions in other sectors. The competition is fierce, as tech giants aim to secure the best minds to advance their AI initiatives.
In June 2023, Meta announced a staggering investment of $14.3 billion in Scale AI, viewed as an attempt to acquire the talent of CEO Alexandr Wang. Similarly, Google invested $2.4 billion to recruit top talent from Windsurf. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta has attempted to entice employees with signing bonuses reaching $100 million, a strategy that Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth confirmed had been matched by OpenAI.
Even smaller startups are seeing their AI experts command base salaries between $300,000 and $400,000, as noted by Shawn Thorne, managing director at executive search firm True Search. While the chase for established talent drives significant expenditures, these leading AI companies are also investing heavily in finding and nurturing new talent.
Top-Tier Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
A recent compilation by Business Insider showcased some of the highest-paying internships and fellowships available in 2026 at prominent AI firms.
The Anthropic AI Safety Fellows Program offers a four-month, full-time research fellowship aimed at accelerating AI safety research. Participants can expect a weekly stipend of $3,850 alongside $15,000 per month for compute funding. Over 80% of previous fellows have produced publishable research, benefiting from mentorship by leading AI researchers. Applications for the next cohorts, commencing in May and July 2026, are open until January 12, 2026.
The OpenAI Residency is a six-month program that integrates participants as full-time employees, providing them with hands-on experience in advanced AI projects. Residents earn $18,300 per month and work closely with research teams. OpenAI anticipates reviewing applications and beginning interviews as early as January 2026.
For Ph.D. students, Google offers the Student Researcher Program, which features flexible, project-based research roles across its teams, including Google DeepMind. This program pays between $113,000 and $150,000 depending on the candidate’s location and experience, and applications are open on a rolling basis until July 17, 2026.
Meta’s Competitive Internships
Meta has opened various research internships lasting between 12 to 24 weeks, with compensation ranging from $7,650 to over $12,000 per month. Research areas include neural rendering, natural language processing, generative modeling, and computer vision. Additionally, Meta is welcoming visiting Ph.D. students from leading institutions for collaborative research roles, with applications for the 2026-2027 cohort closing on January 9, 2026.
As the AI landscape evolves, companies are redefining the value of internships, recognizing their potential as a critical pipeline for future talent. This competitive environment not only benefits employers but also offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring AI professionals, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation.
