OpenAI has introduced a ‘special one-time award’ for its AI researchers and engineers across various departments, coinciding with the launch of its advanced GPT-5 model. Over 1,000 employees are eligible for these bonuses, although specific amounts remain undisclosed; payouts may depend on role and seniority. The most prominent researchers could receive up to a million dollars, while engineers might get hundreds of thousands. Bonuses will be distributed over the next two years, with options for stock, cash, or both. This initiative marks OpenAI’s first widespread bonus distribution, aimed at countering an aggressive talent war led by competitors like Meta and xAI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing compensation amid market changes. Additionally, employees may soon have the opportunity to cash in millions by selling vested stock at a predicted valuation of $500 billion, significantly higher than the current $274 per share.
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