Huge Leak Shows Microsoft Salaries That’ll Make You Jump Out the Window

A recently leaked spreadsheet has exposed the staggering salaries at Microsoft, a company with a value surpassing many others. The spreadsheet, shared by Business Insider, contains voluntarily-disclosed pay rates from around 600 Microsoft employees at various levels of seniority. Although Microsoft employs over 220,000 people in total, this sample offers a glimpse into the work culture at one of the world's leading tech firms.

Microsoft's job level system dictates career tiers, leading to significant salary variations. Entry-level software engineers (levels 59 and 60) earn between $111,000 and $155,500 annually, with potential bonuses up to $25,000. This already outpaces the US median income of $53,010 in 2025. Even compared to typical starter wages for similar roles, Microsoft salaries are on the higher side, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average entry-level salary of just under $105,000.

As you ascend the ranks, the pay scales increase. Levels 63 and 64 offer starting salaries from $136,400 to a high of $245,000, with bonuses reaching up to $60,000. At the principal or director level, some employees reported earning up to $280,000, with bonuses of $110,000. While these figures present a positive picture, they don't consider the lowest-paid staff, often contractors who maintain the facilities.

Despite the high salaries, many Microsoft employees on the anonymized tech platform Blind have complained about their compensation not reflecting their contributions. One worker expressed feeling betrayed over "peanut compensation" received despite their efforts and sacrifices. Another alleged that leaving Microsoft led to a significant pay increase and better work-life balance.