May 2026 data
Generative AI startup salary data
As of May 2026, the median Generative AI salary at startups is $160k across 9 verified Hacker News “Who is Hiring” listings.
Based on 9 verified Generative AI listings from Hacker News “Who is Hiring”. Sample size is shown so you know how much weight to give the number.
Market Signal (September 2026)
Top Hirers: Ardent AI leads hiring for Generative AI roles with 2 active posts, followed by Gladly.
🌍 Location & Remote Dynamics
Remote-Friendly: Generative AI is highly remote-friendly, with 56% of roles open to remote work. Parity: Remote and onsite compensation for Generative AI is effectively equal, with less than 5% variance in median pay.
💡 Tech Stack Context
Common Stack: 44% of Generative AI jobs also require React, and 33% mention Artificial Intelligence.
💰 Compensation Analysis
The median base salary for Generative AI developers is $160,000, with top-tier roles (P75) reaching $160,000.
Generative AI jobs
| COMPANY | ROLE | SALARY | VIBE | STACK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardent AI | Product Engineer | $180,000 - $200,000 |
[F] zen
|
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| Seeq | Staff/Principal Software Engineer (Full stack) | $170,000 - $200,000 |
[E] grind
|
||
| Sheer Health | Software Engineer | $160,000 - $210,000 |
[E] CRUNCH
|
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| Ardent AI | Founding Engineer | $160,000 - $200,000 |
[F] grind
|
||
| Cleric | Multiple Roles | $160,000 - $200,000 |
[F] CRUNCH
|
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| Gladly | Staff Software Engineer, AI & Automation | $156,000 - $215,000 |
[E] grind
|
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| Goblins | Founding Engineer #3 | $100,000 - $200,000 |
[F] CRUNCH
|
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| Deep Kernel Labs | Senior DevOps Engineer | €90,000 - €130,000 ≈ $97k |
[F] grind
|
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| Gladly | Staff Software Engineer, AI & Automation | $60,000 - $215,000 |
@HR grind
|