AI Engineer Salary in 2026
AI engineers build and deploy artificial intelligence systems including large language models, computer vision, and NLP applications. They develop AI-powered products and optimize model performance.
Median Salary
$152,000
$12,667/mo
Entry Level
$98,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$213,000
experienced
Job Growth
+45%
10-yr outlook
AI Engineer Overview
AI engineers build and deploy artificial intelligence systems including large language models, computer vision, and NLP applications. They develop AI-powered products and optimize model performance.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
60K
5-Year Growth
+32%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$73.08/hr
Monthly Pay
$12,667
AI Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated AI Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated AI Engineer Salary
$174,000
$14,500/month · $6,692/biweekly · $83.65/hr
AI Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the AI Engineer field.
Entry-level AI Engineers earn around $98,000, while the top 10% earn $231,000 or more.
Top Paying States for AI Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $179,000 | +$27,000 |
| New York | $175,000 | +$23,000 |
| Washington | $170,000 | +$18,000 |
| Massachusetts | $170,000 | +$18,000 |
| Texas | $149,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for AI Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $190,000 | +$38,000 |
| New York | $179,000 | +$27,000 |
| Seattle | $173,000 | +$21,000 |
| Boston | $170,000 | +$18,000 |
| Austin | $157,000 | +$5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
AI Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a AI Engineer from entry level to expert.
$98,000
0-2 years
$156,000
3-7 years
$213,000
8-14 years
$249,000
15+ years
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AI Engineer Salary FAQ
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