FDE Salary Data Dictionary

This directory contains the machine-readable total compensation data for Forward-Deployed AI Engineers (FDEs) updated for May 2026.

Data Methodology

Sources: Aggregated from public job postings (OpenAI, Anthropic, Palantir), verified levels.fyi offer data (Jan-Apr 2026), and regional TeamLease Digital GCC reports.
Base vs Equity: Standard base salaries face natural corporate compression. Annualized equity is the primary vehicle for wealth generation above mid-level. By the Staff level, equity packages routinely exceed base cash.
Remote Adjustments: Fully remote configurations carry an immediate 10–15% structural salary markdown compared to on-site equivalents.
India GCC Context: Senior FDE professionals within Global Capability Centers (Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune) pull total compensation packages ranging from ₹65L to ₹2.2Cr.

Level: Industry-standard engineering tier.
Years_Experience: Typical baseline production experience required.
Base_Min / Base_Max: Cash base salary range (USD).
Equity_Annual_Min / Equity_Annual_Max: Annualized stock options, RSUs, or PPUs tied to preferred-round valuations.
Sign_On_Min / Sign_On_Max: First-year variable cash signing bonuses.
Total_Comp_Min / Total_Comp_Max: Cumulative first-year earnings.