Microsoft’s salary guidelines have reportedly leaked online. According to a report in Insider, “The guidelines were published earlier this year and are used by hiring managers to decide how much to offer new hires….” Also, it is not clear how broadly the guidelines apply, or whether they are just for one specific role or business, but the ranges provide a window into how Microsoft thinks about its various level designations.
Salary packages differ as per location
As highlighted by the report, compensation packages at Microsoft varies by field and location, so a company-wide standard for pay per level across all units doesn’t exist. For instance, New York and San Francisco employees get bigger checks to mitigate the high cost of living in those areas.
The highest level in the company
Per the pay guidelines leaked, Level 70 appeared to be the highest rank, with a base pay ranging from $231,700 to $361,500. The hiring bonus for this particular rank reportedly falls anywhere between $310,000 to $1.2 million. Microsoft uses levels to define its employees’ ranks within the organization. This means the higher your level, the more senior you are in the company. The report further revealed that an employee with a level 68 rank is considered a partner, while level 63 and level 65 are considered senior and principal employees, respectively.
Lowest level
The lowest-ranking employee takes home a $42,500 salary. Employees at this level are not entitled to a hiring bonus or stock award.
Levels vary as per field
Not all types of roles go up to level 70. A high-ranking employee in this field is referred to as a distinguished engineer. At the same time, other fields go up to level 80 in rank.