If you receive something of value you usually owe taxes on it short of some gifts and inheritances. If you were compensated with 1000 shares (a more conventional situation) at a value of $150k instead of a cash salary (unusual but not impossible), you’d owe income tax on the value at the time it was received. You’d also owe taxes (capital gains) when you realize any gains (or not if you instead realize a loss).

This is also true for crypto currency wages.

NB: This is in the US, but there will be comparable rules in nearly every country.