The UK arm of OpenAI reported an average employee cost of approximately £2.3 million last year, according to recently published accounts. The London-based subsidiary, which focuses on developing commercial capabilities and research and development for the parent company, recorded total staff expenses of £258 million in 2025, a significant increase from £60.7 million in 2024.
These staff costs included £87.3 million in wages and salaries and £168 million in share-based compensation. With an average workforce of 110 employees over the year, the figures indicate that the average annual salary was roughly £794,000, while the overall cost per employee—including benefits and equity awards—reached £2.3 million.
The subsidiary’s turnover expanded dramatically, rising from £79.2 million in 2024 to £293 million in 2025. This growth was attributed to a substantial scaling up of operations throughout the year. Research and development expenditures also rose sharply, from £48.2 million in 2024 to £117.8 million last year. Administrative expenses increased accordingly, reaching £264.1 million compared to £64.6 million the previous year, driven mainly by higher staff-related costs.
OpenAI UK also benefited from a £4.7 million research and development tax credit provided by the UK government. The credit is part of a scheme aimed at encouraging innovation in the technology sector.
OpenAI, the parent company behind the popular ChatGPT AI platform, is reportedly seeking to raise $30 billion at a valuation near $1.4 trillion, despite facing scrutiny over its financial performance. Forecasts suggest the company might incur losses approaching $280 billion by 2030, amid increasing competition and deflationary pressures from Chinese tech firms.
The company filed confidentially for an initial public offering (IPO) in June 2026 but later announced it would not proceed with a public listing this year. CEO Sam Altman cited concerns surrounding AI safety as the primary reason for the delay. Some critics, however, suggest underlying financial challenges may have influenced the decision.
Earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund highlighted that large-scale, debt-driven investments in artificial intelligence present potential risks to global financial stability, underscoring the broader implications of rapid expansion in this sector.
When OpenAI launched its London office in 2023, it stated its goal of building dynamic teams across research, engineering, and commercial functions within the UK, a strategy reflected in the subsidiary's rapid growth and investment in talent to support the company’s expanding operations.