Apple remains one of the most attractive companies for tech professionals, offering competitive salaries and bonuses such as stock options and product discounts. However, in the race to lead in artificial intelligence (AI), the company is facing challenges, including the loss of key employees to Meta. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasizes that the company values collaboration, curiosity, and creativity, hiring specialists from various fields. Federal documents related to international hiring provide insight into salaries for key roles, though they do not account for bonuses or stock. Here's how much Apple pays its employees in 2025.

AI and Machine Learning
According to Business Insider, Apple is actively developing its Apple Intelligence platform, introduced in 2024, but it lags behind competitors like Meta, Google, and Microsoft. In 2025, Meta poached four top researchers from Apple’s Foundation Models (AFM) group, forcing Apple to raise salaries in this field. Based on Q2 2025 data, AI-related salaries are as follows:
• Machine Learning Engineer: $143,100 to $312,200
• Machine Learning Researcher: $114,100 to $312,200
• Data Scientist: $105,550 to $322,400
• Data Engineer: $105,602 to $234,700

These professionals work on improving Siri, developing AI models, and analyzing data to personalize services. The high salaries reflect the demand for experts in a fiercely competitive talent market.

Engineering Roles
Apple actively hires engineers to develop hardware and software. Salaries vary depending on specialization:
• CPU Implementation Engineer: $103,164 to $264,200
• Design Verification Engineer: $103,164 to $312,200
• Hardware Development Engineer: $124,942 to $293,800
• System Product Design Engineer: $103,164 to $312,200
• RF/Analog/Mixed Signal Engineer: $131,352 to $312,200
• Wireless Systems Validation Engineer: $126,672 to $312,200
• Manufacturing Quality Engineer: $142,293 to $227,600
• Physical Design Engineer: $101,982 to $341,200

These roles involve chip development (such as M4 and A18), hardware testing, and quality assurance for iPhones, Macs, and other devices.

Software Development
Software engineers are key employees at Apple, working on iOS, macOS, AR/VR, and other platforms. Salaries in this category include:
• Software Development Engineer: $132,267 to $378,700
• Software Engineering Applications: $103,164 to $378,700
• Firmware Engineer: $126,880 to $312,200
• Software Development Engineer - Test: $94,640 to $329,600
• AR/VR Developer: $129,805 to $312,200
• Software Development Engineering Manager: $166,691 to $378,700

The role of Human Interface Designer stands out, with salaries reaching $468,500 due to the high responsibility of creating intuitive interfaces for iOS and macOS.

Other Roles
Apple also hires professionals in supply chain management and consulting:
• Professional Services Consultant: $100,200 to $258,700
• Strategic Sourcing Manager: $110,600 to $286,400
• Supply Demand Planning Specialist: $100,200 to $209,900

These roles are linked to logistics, managing component supplies, and supporting global production.

Why Is Apple Losing Talent?
Despite high salaries, Apple is experiencing talent loss, particularly in AI. In 2025, Meta hired away four leading researchers, prompting Apple to revise salaries within the AFM group. According to Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, Siri development requires additional time, highlighting challenges in advancing Apple Intelligence. Competition from Meta, Google, and OpenAI—offering higher bonuses and stock options—intensifies the pressure.

In a 2023 interview, Tim Cook emphasized that Apple seeks employees “from all walks of life” who value collaboration and creativity. The company bets on teamwork, believing that “one plus one equals three” thanks to synergy of ideas. However, in the AI race, Apple must not only raise salaries but also offer additional bonuses such as stock grants and product discounts.

In Summary…
Apple offers competitive salaries, reaching up to $468,500 for interface designers and $378,700 for software engineers, but its lag in the AI race and talent outflow present challenges. Salary data based on international hires show that the company places high value on specialists in machine learning, data, and hardware development. To stay ahead, Apple will need to strengthen bonuses and accelerate Apple Intelligence development while preserving its philosophy of teamwork and innovation.