A leaked Microsoft compensation chart for 2025 reveals how software engineers can achieve long-term wealth by staying with the company. The data details base salary, stock grants, and bonuses, showing that employees who advance from entry-level roles to top technical positions can earn over $2.7 million annually. Over a 30-year career, this progression could result in a net worth of $13 million, assuming steady investment and saving habits. The figures, shared by tech insider Deedy Das on X (formerly Twitter), emphasise that career consistency, equity growth, and stock vesting can rival or even exceed the returns of frequent job-hopping strategies, highlighting the financial benefits of tenure and loyalty in big tech careers.
Microsoft salary structure : Stock grants, equity growth across levels and more
The compensation structure is divided into levels (L57 to L70), representing roles from entry-level engineers to Distinguished Engineers and Technical Fellows. The data shows:
- Level 57 engineers earn a total compensation of $186,000, including salary, stock, and bonuses.
- Level 70 engineers can earn $2.7 million annually, largely driven by $1.5 million in stock grants.
- Notably, from Level 63 onwards, stock compensation exceeds base salary, meaning long-term employees benefit significantly from equity growth.
30-year wealth model for Microsoft engineers
The chart includes a modeled 30-year financial journey assuming:
- 10% annual investment return
- 30% savings rate
- steady progression from Level 57 to Level 70
Under these assumptions, a Microsoft engineer could accumulate $13 million in net worth, with total gross earnings of $23.1 million and $8.8 million from investment growth alone. This model does not account for executive transitions but highlights how retaining stock and maintaining tenure can be more profitable than frequent job changes.
Microsoft salary model leaked
Level 57 – Entry Level (0–2 Years)
- Base Salary: $94,000 – $123,000
- Signing Bonus: $10,000 – $30,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $50,000 – $150,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $25,000 – $80,000
Role: Software Engineer I
Level 58 – Early Career
- Base Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
- Signing Bonus: $15,000 – $40,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $80,000 – $200,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $40,000 – $110,000
Role: Software Engineer II
Level 59 – Pre-Senior Engineer
- Base Salary: $121,000 – $150,000
- Signing Bonus: $15,000 – $50,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $100,000 – $250,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $60,000 – $140,000
Role: Software Engineer II
Level 60 – Mid-Level Engineer
- Base Salary: $130,000 – $160,000
- Signing Bonus: $20,000 – $60,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $120,000 – $300,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $80,000 – $160,000
Role: Software Engineer
Level 61 – Experienced Mid-Level
- Base Salary: $138,000 – $170,000
- Signing Bonus: $25,000 – $65,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $150,000 – $350,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $100,000 – $180,000
Role: Engineering Lead
Level 62 – Senior Engineer
Base Salary: $145,000 – $185,000Signing Bonus: $30,000 – $75,000On-Hire Stock Award: $180,000 – $400,000Annual Stock Grant: $120,000 – $220,000Role: Senior Software Engineer
Level 63 – Senior Engineer II
Base Salary: $150,000 – $200,000Signing Bonus: $30,000 – $80,000On-Hire Stock Award: $200,000 – $500,000Annual Stock Grant: $140,000 – $260,000Role: Senior Software Engineer / Architect
Level 64 – Staff Engineer
- Base Salary: $160,000 – $220,000
- Signing Bonus: $35,000 – $90,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $250,000 – $600,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $160,000 – $300,000
Role: Lead Engineer
Level 65 – Principal Engineer (Entry)
- Base Salary: $172,800 – $282,000
- Signing Bonus: $50,000 – $100,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $300,000 – $800,000
- Annual Stock Grant: $180,000 – $320,000
Role: Principal Software Engineer
Level 66 – Principal Engineer II
- Base Salary: $190,000 – $300,000
- Signing Bonus: $50,000 – $120,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $400,000 – $1 million
- Annual Stock Grant: $200,000 – $400,000
Role: Architect / Tech Strategy
Level 67 – Partner-Level IC
- Base Salary: $200,000 – $330,000
- Signing Bonus: $60,000 – $150,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $500,000 – $1.2 million
- Annual Stock Grant: $250,000 – $550,000
Role: Distinguished Engineer
Level 68 – Partner / Distinguished Engineer II
- Base Salary: $220,000 – $370,000
- Signing Bonus: $75,000 – $200,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $750,000 – $1.5 million
- Annual Stock Grant: $350,000 – $800,000
Role: AI/ML Lead
Level 69 – Partner II / Technical Fellow
- Base Salary: $250,000 – $390,000
- Signing Bonus: $100,000 – $250,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $1 million – $1.7 million
- Annual Stock Grant: $500,000 – $1.1 million
Role: Senior AI Leader
Level 70 – Distinguished Engineer / Technical Fellow (Highest)
- Base Salary: $300,000 – $408,000
- Signing Bonus: $150,000 – $300,000
- On-Hire Stock Award: $1.2 million – $1.9 million
- Annual Stock Grant: $600,000 – $1.47 million
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