As AI threatens to replace tech jobs, startups are desperate for top talent—and some firms are paying tech-savvy grads over $300,000

Silicon Valley’s startup culture has long sold itself on alluring perks: cold brew on tap, nap pods tucked between standing desks, and even free slippers for their “no-shoes” offices. The pitch was simple: work hard, but live well while building the next big thing.

But as the race for top AI talent accelerates, startups are increasingly leaning on a far more direct incentive: eye-popping paychecks.

Software engineers at venture-backed startups are receiving median base-salary...