$65K to work at Anthropic? Debate ensues amid IPO wave

https://missionlocal.org/2026/07/anthropic-sf-affordability-ipo-housing-evictions-rent/

by gcheong • 9 days ago

30 26 9 days ago

missionlocal.org

dpe82• 9 days ago

Seems roughly in line with UCSF's entry-level post-doc compensation: https://postdocs.ucsf.edu/pay-and-benefits

That too, of course, is too low to live comfortably on your own in SF.

skybrian• 9 days ago

While single and working at a startup back in the dot-com days, I shared an apartment in the Richmond district with two other people. It didn't seem all that unusual. I assume people still do that?

Seems like it would be okay temporarily until you get a raise and the stock options kick in.

Avicebron• 9 days ago

Seems like it would be okay temporarily until you get a raise and the stock options kick in.

In practice it doesn't work like that, usually people who start with those kind of salaries get stuck as a permanent underclass in the Bay. When I was working in biotech out in SF plenty of people were getting like 45K and just expected to make it work. The places who were really on top of it would be pretty overt about making examples of people regularly to remind the staff that another guy or girl from India could be imported in tomorrow.

While single and working at a startup back in the dot-com days

Unfortunately you don't have a good perspective, since you were sort of carried along and "made it" by dint of timing and location.

ofjcihen2• 9 days ago

These days when you accept salaries that low you’re effectively locking yourself into them for a good long time.

typs• 9 days ago

"Comfortably" varies by person. I know many people living fine on less in San Francisco.

chung8123• 9 days ago

Isn't the theory they won't be able to get anyone at that salary if it is too low?

WarmWash2• 9 days ago

People add the value of being able to say they work at/worked for Anthropic.

You also will meet a ton of high value/highly connected individuals.

The salary could probably be $30k and they would still have to cut the application pile.

anitil• 9 days ago

I mis-read the title and thought someone was going to pay 65k to work at Anthropic. And ... That's a strange thing to do, but financially would probably pay off in the end

notfromhere2• 9 days ago

And none of it will matter because everyone will know you’re a 64k a year peon.

Working for basically free for “prestige” is a sucker move

fsuts• 9 days ago

How long do USA education visa holders have to find a job before they have to leave?

Visa sponsorship: We do sponsor visas! However, we aren't able to successfully sponsor visas for every role and every candidate. But if we make you an offer, we will make every reasonable effort to get you a visa, and we retain an immigration lawyer to help with this.

AngryData• 9 days ago

If they don't that is just a bonus because then they can hire an H1B and threaten them with deportation if they don't lick boot.

pm90• 9 days ago

This was a really dumb move by Anthropic. They can clearly afford to pay more and attract the best talent. Why be so stingy? Focus on growth.

baranul• 9 days ago

The visa sponsorship angle has to be factored in as well, as they may believe a few desperate for a visa candidates would show up. Happens more than people are aware of.

A large percentage of companies will underpay people or even commit wage theft, if they can get away with it.

bigstrat2003• 9 days ago

Because they're evil. Anthropic only cares about making profits for Anthropic, everything else (including paying people fairly) is secondary.

mmmBacon• 9 days ago

Direct link to the job in question:

https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/anthropic/jobs/5285248008

kaizenite• 9 days ago

Even if the intention was for equity to be the main driver of compensation, how is someone supposed to survive with RSUs they don't even have yet.

notfromhere2• 9 days ago

You don’t.

DonsDiscountGas• 9 days ago

People will just do anything to avoid building more housing

oezi• 9 days ago

On first read of the headline I thought they are now offering a way to join Anthropic by paying them 65k USD. Sounds like a steal to get Anthropic on your resume!

Gee101• 9 days ago

I really didn't care what my first IT job paid I was just happy to have the opportunity.

RobRivera• 9 days ago

Its for a Research Associate in Biology.

$65K to work at Anthropic? Debate ensues amid IPO wave

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