<ul><li>Tesla's internal pay database shows that it offers lower salaries than peers but substantial stock grants.</li><li>Tesla's top earners must bet on the company's high-risk and high-reward system.</li><li>Tesla's selective hiring process includes Elon Musk's sign-off for every hire, which involves finding only the most "hardcore" workers.</li><li>Tesla lags behind its peers when it comes to median base pay, based on data gathered from SEC filings.</li><li>Tesla's stock grants make it easier for employees to accept lower base salaries.</li><li>Stock grants at Tesla are typically in the form of restricted stock units, that vest over time.</li><li>Nearly every category of Tesla employee has received some type of stock grant.</li><li>Tesla's stock strategy has proved better than cash in an employee's pocket, said Greg Selker, a managing director at recruitment firm Stanton Chase.</li><li>Tesla's top executives have received stock offerings worth up to $20m each.</li><li>Tesla's mission-driven element allows it to get away with paying less for top talent, said Haely Shaiken, a labour expert.</li></ul>

Internal Tesla salary database shows Elon Musk's strategy: Lower salaries, bigger stock grants

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