OpenAI Implements Selective Bonus Program to Retain AI Talent Ahead of GPT-5 Launch

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has unveiled a targeted bonus initiative aimed at retaining key researchers and engineers as the company prepares for the release of GPT-5. Approximately one-third of staff will receive payouts, with top researchers potentially earning multi-million dollar bonuses and engineers securing six-figure sums.

The compensation strategy reflects intensifying competition for AI specialists across the tech sector. Bonuses will be distributed quarterly over two years through cash, stock, or hybrid arrangements, primarily benefiting teams working on applied engineering, scaling, and safety systems.

"We intend to keep increasing compensation as we progress toward AGI," Altman stated, acknowledging the need to align rewards with market dynamics. The MOVE comes as rival firms aggressively court AI talent with unprecedented compensation packages.