How much does Altman really earn? The secret calculations of the OpenAI boss are revealed

2026-01-04 18:49:19

Abstract generation in progress

Tax filing sheds light on Sam Altman’s earnings, CEO of OpenAI. The documents show that in 2023, his salary was $76,001 — an increase from $73,546 in the previous year. This figure may surprise some, considering Altman has an estimated net worth of at least $2 billion.

Minimum salary, maximum marketing impact

Altman has repeatedly justified his modest salary with health insurance standards. He also emphasized that he owns no shares in OpenAI — which sounds convincing until the full story is known. According to Bloomberg reports, the AI startup was considering granting him stock options as part of a potential transformation into a profit-oriented company. This suggests that the actual value of his compensation package could be significantly higher than reported.

Transparency or calculation?

Altman’s compensation appears in a form that nonprofit organizations in the United States are required to file annually with the federal tax authority. This document aims to ensure financial transparency. However, the contrast between the official salary and potential future stock options raises questions about the actual compensation structure of tech sector leaders.

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