Amazon’s Competitive Salaries for Foreign Hires
In a bold move to attract top talent, Amazon is offering salaries up to $263,700—approximately ₹2.27 crore— for foreign hires in software engineering roles. This financial reveal comes from mandatory recruitment filings for employees holding O-1 or H-1B visas.
Base Salaries Unveiled
The company disclosed that compensation for various roles, including data scientists, business analysts, and supply chain managers, begins at $63,835 (over ₹55 lakh) according to applications received in the March quarter of 2025. It’s important to note that these figures represent base salaries and do not account for the equity component that Amazon also extends to its employees.
Salaries at Amazon Data Services
- Software Development Engineer: $108,826 – $223,600
Salaries at Amazon Development Center US
- Software Development Engineer: $95,493 – $260,600
Salaries at Amazon Web Services
- Business Intelligence Engineer: $96,678 – $176,012
- Enterprise Account Engineer: $103,605 – $238,965
- Professional Services: $105,997 – $218,200
- Software Development Engineer: $84,094 – $223,600
- Solutions Architect: $112,474 – $225,000
- Support Engineer (External): $63,835 – $160,000
Salaries at Amazon.com Services
- Applied Scientist: $83,491 – $260,000
- Business Analyst: $79,518 – $143,100
- Business Intelligence Engineer: $193,200
- Data Engineer: $70,262 – $236,344
- Data Scientist: $92,040 – $230,900
- Financial Analyst: $94,300 – $204,028
- Manager, Software Development: $148,950 – $287,700
- Product Manager: $109,782 – $200,000
- Product Manager (Technical): $136,843 – $235,200
- Program Manager: $81,600 – $162,700
- Quality Assurance Engineer: $86,320 – $185,000
- Software Development Engineer: $85,384 – $263,700
- Supply Chain Manager: $77,200 – $168,000
- System Development Engineer: $105,997 – $198,000
- Technical Program Manager: $108,098 – $231,400
The Shift from H-1B to O-1 Visas
As the reliability of the popular H-1B visa wanes, many ambitious professionals are turning their sights toward the O-1A visa for U.S. employment. According to recent reports, employers are increasingly investing in visa sponsorships, encouraging candidates to enhance their profiles through research publications, book authorships, and conference participations.
Amazon’s Workforce Adjustments
Amid this competitive hiring landscape, Amazon has been streamlining its workforce. The latest layoff wave affected Amazon Web Services (AWS), where several hundred positions were eliminated in early September. Reports indicate a significant impact across various AWS teams, including one dubbed “specialists,” which collaborates closely with clients on product development.
Ongoing Job Cuts Across the Board
This round of layoffs follows previous reductions in Amazon’s books division, including operations at Goodreads and Kindle. Earlier, cuts had also occurred in the devices and services sector, the Wondery podcast unit, and corporate communications.
AWS’s Changing Landscape
In other operational shifts, AWS has reportedly closed its AI lab in Shanghai, reflecting rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
Future of Jobs with AI Integration
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has faced criticism for his memo warning employees of impending job losses due to artificial intelligence’s advancement. He noted that as the company continues to adopt AI and generative technologies, a reduced workforce will be necessary for many existing roles.
Mandatory AI Proficiency for Promotions
Further shifting its corporate strategy, Amazon is mandating that employees in multiple divisions demonstrate proficiency in AI as a requirement for promotion applications, particularly in its smart home security brands like Ring and Blink.
Conclusion
Amazon’s aggressive salary offerings reflect its pursuit of top international talent amid a shifting immigration landscape and internal workforce adjustments. As the company navigates these changes, its strategic focus on technology—including artificial intelligence—will likely redefine job roles and expectations in the years to come.
FAQs
- Q: What is the highest salary offered by Amazon for foreign hires?
A: The highest salary for foreign hires is $263,700 for certain software engineer roles. - Q: Which visa types is Amazon hiring foreign employees on?
A: Amazon is hiring foreign employees primarily on O-1 and H-1B visas. - Q: Are equity components included in the base salaries?
A: No, the disclosed salaries are base figures and do not include the equity component offered by Amazon. - Q: Has Amazon made any recent layoffs?
A: Yes, Amazon has recently laid off several hundred employees at AWS and in its books division. - Q: How is AI impacting Amazon’s workforce?
A: Amazon’s integration of AI is leading to job cuts and requires employees to demonstrate AI proficiency for promotions.
