And have spent the last 15 years working on the cutting edge of AI research.

That is unfortunately far from enough. The majority end up doing ok but nowhere near this much money.

There are millions of people with PhDs in math or computer science, and none of them earn that kind of salary. Just like there are Usain Bolts and Michael Phelpses in the world of sports, there are similarly exceptional individuals in every field.

actually applied math or statistics.

it also helps if you happen to know a bunch of openai trade secrets.