OpenAI UK Staff Average 4.1 Billion Won in Compensation

OpenAI's UK operations recorded average annual employee compensation of approximately 2.318 million pounds, equivalent to about 4.1 billion won or $2.8 million, last year. The figures, based on the company's British accounts analyzed by The Guardian, reflect intensifying competition among global technology companies for specialized artificial intelligence researchers.

The compensation covered 110 employees and totaled 255 million pounds, or approximately 450 billion won, according to The Guardian's analysis published on October 14. Average compensation exceeded the median wage for UK workers by approximately 58 times.

Stock awards accounted for most of the total. OpenAI's UK unit recorded approximately 87 million pounds in salary-related costs and 168 million pounds in stock awards, translating into average cash compensation of about 790,000 pounds and average stock awards of approximately 1.53 million pounds per employee.

Average compensation more than doubled from approximately 1.1 million pounds per employee a year earlier. Because the calculation divides total labor costs by the number of employees, a small group of highly paid specialists, including core AI researchers, may have significantly influenced the average.

The figures come as technology companies compete for researchers capable of developing advanced AI models. These systems require substantial computing resources and highly specialized expertise, making experienced researchers a critical part of companies' efforts to maintain technological competitiveness.

Some technology companies offer key recruits compensation packages worth tens of millions of dollars over several years, combining salaries and stock awards. The Guardian reported that OpenAI's employee compensation was comparable to the earnings of English Premier League footballers as the company sought to strengthen its position in the global AI race.

OpenAI is also expanding its presence in the United Kingdom as it develops the country into a significant research base outside the United States. Its existing UK operation is located in Westminster, London, and is preparing to establish a new headquarters in the King's Cross area.

The UK office accommodates employees working on AI model development alongside teams responsible for sales, marketing and government relations. The planned headquarters would support the company's broader operations in the country.

OpenAI's UK business also reported substantial financial growth last year. Revenue reached approximately 293 million pounds, more than three times the previous year's figure, while pretax profit totaled about 20.3 million pounds.

The compensation figures highlight the financial scale of the competition for AI expertise, as technology companies seek researchers capable of developing increasingly advanced models. OpenAI's UK operations combine research and commercial functions while the company prepares to expand its London presence.

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