Microsoft has been a major player in the computer industry ever since the first computer was commercially sold, and still ranks high on the list of companies changing the face of technology and innovation in today’s market. The company is also known for the top-tier salaries and benefit packages it provides to its 123,000 employees. Using data compiled from job postings, employee reports and tax filings, here is a look at a representative slice of salaries at Microsoft:
1. Service engineer
Salary: $105,908
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $113,310
This type of employee, also known as a “techie,” works with customers to solve technical issues or how to best install and/or use Microsoft products.
2. Software development engineer
Salary: $102,036
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $114,585
This title describes the job of a beginning or junior-level computer programmer.
3. Escalation engineer
Salary: $112,721
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $148,099
An escalation engineer is a higher-level customer support employee who helps customers with more intense problems and troubleshooting.
4. Senior researcher
Salary: $184,640
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $282,710
Microsoft’s enormous research & development branch is what pumps out new products, software updates and new studies relating to technology. This position requires a minimum of five years of related experience.
5. Creative director
Salary: $183,980
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $194,190
This senior design position involves setting a course for Microsoft’s future plans and innovations, including the new look and feel of a product that will be released or updated. These are the people that plan how a new piece of wearable tech will look and feel, for example.
6. Human resources director
Salary: $176,008
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $237,934
Hiring, firing and managing 123,000 employees is a senior role in the company and requires someone with 10 years of previous experience.
7. Software architect
Salary: $182,959
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $262,286
This is a role filled by a programmer, and includes designing complex systems for Microsoft products.
8. Director of business operations
Salary: $175,642
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $268,639
This senior business department role will be in charge of a particular unit of the company, dealing with development, management and finance.
9. Senior director marketing
Salary: $201,429
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $342,436
The marketing department of Microsoft is large and multi-tiered. A senior position will design sales campaigns and concepts for products, come up with marketing campaigns, and define strategies.
10. Director of development
Salary: $207,111
Compensation including bonuses, stock, etc.: $432,961
This role is the leader of a team of people creating new technology for Microsoft.
