OpenAI Offers Up to $555,000 Salary for a Single Role — But There’s a Catch

OpenAI is offering up to $555,000 per year for a senior AI safety role. The job focuses on managing risks of advanced artificial intelligence and comes with high pressure.

Editorial Team

Jan 1, 2026 - 02:38

Jan 1, 2026 - 08:30

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OpenAI Offers Up to $555,000 Salary for a Single Role — But There’s a Catch

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company best known for creating ChatGPT, is making headlines after revealing a job opening with a salary of up to $555,000 annually, plus equity options.

The position, titled “Head of Preparedness,” is not a typical tech role. According to OpenAI, the job focuses on identifying and managing potential risks posed by advanced AI systems, including misuse, large-scale societal impact, and long-term safety concerns.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly described the role as “extremely stressful”, emphasizing that the person hired will be responsible for anticipating worst-case scenarios and helping prevent them before they happen. The role involves coordinating with researchers, policymakers, and security teams.

The salary figure quickly went viral on social media, with many users joking that “ChatGPT is hiring humans now.” However, experts note that compensation at this level is common for senior executives in Silicon Valley, especially in companies working on cutting-edge and high-risk technologies.

The position reflects growing global concern over artificial intelligence safety, regulation, and ethical responsibility. As AI systems become more powerful, companies like OpenAI are investing heavily in oversight and preparedness.

Despite the eye-catching salary, OpenAI has made it clear: this is not an entry-level job, nor a role for casual AI enthusiasts. The company is seeking candidates with deep experience in risk analysis, technology policy, or large-scale systems management.