The 2025 State of Global Compensation Report

AI pay is soaring, fast: The AI talent boom has gone from hype to hiring reality. Specialized AI roles now command 20–25% premiums above base pay. Salaries at the 90th percentile are rising even faster, as startups and scaleups fight for scarce machine learning and data talent.

Equity is going global: Equity-heavy compensation packages aren’t just a Silicon Valley play anymore. Carta’s data shows equity grants for engineers as a share of ownership have grown every year since 2021, especially in Brazil and India, where ownership is increasingly valued. The U.S. still leads, but France and Canada are catching up fast.

Inflation is shaping pay differently everywhere: While some economies are stabilizing, others like Turkey and Argentina remain in flux. To stay agile, companies are shifting from permanent pay increases to one-time cash bonuses to cushion inflation’s impact without locking in costs.

Gender pay gaps persist in tech: The gender wage gap continues to narrow in sales roles but remains stubborn in tech and product positions. Leadership representation is still the biggest driver of inequity, though more companies are now targeting women for senior technical roles.

Contractors rise as borders blur: Remote work and digital visa programs are expanding talent pools worldwide. Contractor hiring is booming in Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil, while markets like the U.S. and Germany remain FTE-heavy. Download the full report to explore the data behind these trends and discover how to stay ahead in the global competition for talent.