Leaked Data Shows Microsoft Salary Guidelines for Job Offers

Working in tech is a dream for many, especially when it comes to the industry’s well-known perks and high salaries. But exactly how high those salaries go is usually kept under lock and key — until now.

Business Insider viewed leaked Microsoft pay guidelines that showed ranges for a variety of metrics including base pay, yearly stock awards, and hiring bonuses.

Related: This Tech Company Has The Best Perks And Benefits — And No, It’s Not Google

According to the data, like many other big companies, Microsoft employees who work in cities such as San Francisco and New York are paid more than workers in less expensive locations. The highest salary the company viewed was $361,500, with annual stock awards of around $1 million, plus an additional $1.2 million hiring bonus.

The lowest salary was $42,500 salary with no extras. The leaked guidelines don’t show cash bonuses.

According to Insider, the company uses a system of levels (the data set shown below has level 70 as the highest and 52 as the lowest) as a means to rank seniority levels. It’s noted, however, that 70 is not the highest level an executive could reach.

Levels can vary, but in general, a “principal” might start at a level 65, while a “partner” could start at 68. A “distinguished engineer” might be a level 70, while a “technical fellow,” known as a high-ranking executive, could be an 80.

Related: How Much Do Engineers, Software Developers, and Analysts Make at Apple? See Salary List

Here’s a look at some of the salaries offered by Microsoft, per data seen by Insider:

The three highest levels:

^{Level 70:}

• Base pay: $231,700 to $361,500

• On-hire stock awards: $310,000 default to $1.2 million with approval

• Annual stock award range: $0 to $945,000

^{Level 69:}

• Base pay: $202,400 to $316,000

• On-hire stock awards: $235,000 default to $1.1 million with approval

• Annual stock award range: $0 to $750,000

^{Level 68:}

• Base pay: $186,200 to $291,000

• On-hire stock awards: $177,000 default to $1 million with approval

• Annual stock award range: $0 to $490,600

The three lowest levels:

^{Level 54:}

• Base pay: $51,600 to $67,000

• On-hire stock awards: N/A

• Annual stock award range: “By career stage”

^{Level 53:}

• Base pay: $46,600 to $59,700

• On-hire stock awards: N/A

• Annual stock award range: “By career stage”

^{Level 52:}

• Base pay: $42,500 to $54,600

• On-hire stock awards: N/A

• Annual stock award range: “By career stage”

View the full list, here.