Microsoft compensation data reveals salaries, bonuses and stock awards across key businesses

The data comes from an internal spreadsheet containing compensation details submitted anonymously by nearly 600 employees

Microsoft employees have shared compensation data that offers a glimpse into how pay varies across the technology giant’s job levels and business units, with reported stock awards reaching as high as $1.4 million in its Cloud and AI organisation.

The data comes from an internal spreadsheet containing compensation details submitted anonymously by nearly 600 employees. The information includes base salaries, annual raises, cash bonuses and equity awards across different parts of Microsoft.

The figures show that compensation can vary significantly depending on both seniority and the business an employee works in. At level 59, reported base salaries range from $111,000 to $134,000. At level 67, the range rises to between $239,100 and $280,000.

The gap becomes more pronounced when equity and bonuses are included. Employees at level 66 reported stock awards ranging from $90,000 to $200,000, while level 67 employees reported awards of up to $300,000. Cash bonuses at level 67 reached as high as $110,000.

Among Microsoft’s business units, Cloud and AI reported the widest compensation range. Base salaries ranged from $111,000 to $450,000. Cash bonuses reached $300,000, while stock awards ranged from $9,000 to $1.4 million.

Azure employees reported base pay of up to $252,000 and stock awards of as much as $294,000. In Microsoft AI, reported salaries reached $2,32,000, with equity awards of up to $1,40,000.

Other units also showed substantial variations. Experiences and Devices reported salaries of up to $253,100, while Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions reported base pay reaching $242,000. Security employees reported salaries of up to $232,000.

The data also highlights the relatively modest size of annual raises compared with bonuses and equity. At level 67, reported increases ranged from 0.5 to 1 per cent, while stock awards reached $300,000.

However, the spreadsheet does not represent Microsoft’s official compensation structure. The figures were voluntarily submitted by employees and cover only a small portion of the company’s workforce.

The disclosures come as Microsoft continues to prioritise AI and cloud capabilities while restructuring parts of its workforce. The figures underline the premium placed on specialised technical talent in businesses considered central to the company’s growth strategy.