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
$135,980
$11,332/mo
Entry Level
$87,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$190,600
experienced
Job Growth
+45%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Software Developers (SOC 15-1252, the closest published occupation to AI Engineer) at a national median of $135,980 per year (mean $148,100), or $65.38 per hour, with 1,687,890 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
1.7M
5-Year Growth
+32%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$65.38/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,332
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
$156,000
$13,000/month · $6,000/biweekly · $75.00/hr
AI Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the AI Engineer field.
Entry-level AI Engineers earn around $87,700, while the top 10% earn $206,700 or more.
Top Paying States for AI Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $160,000 | +$24,020 |
| New York | $156,000 | +$20,020 |
| Washington | $152,000 | +$16,020 |
| Massachusetts | $152,000 | +$16,020 |
| Texas | $133,000 | $-2,980 |
Top Paying Cities for AI Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San FranciscoBLS metro | $186,640 | +$50,660 |
| SeattleBLS metro | $167,280 | +$31,300 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $166,830 | +$30,850 |
| BostonBLS metro | $166,090 | +$30,110 |
| AustinBLS metro | $134,120 | $-1,860 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Software Developers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
AI Engineer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for AI Engineer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
AI Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a AI Engineer from entry level to expert.
$87,700
0-2 years
$139,000
3-7 years
$190,600
8-14 years
$222,800
15+ years
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AI Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a AI Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a AI Engineer in the United States is $135,980 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Software Developers (SOC 15-1252); the mean is $148,100. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $87,700, senior professionals around $190,600, and top earners at $222,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a AI Engineer?
A AI Engineer typically requires a Master's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Python, LLMs, NLP. Relevant certifications such as Google AI Certificate or Deep Learning Specialization can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for AI Engineers?
The job market for AI Engineers is projected to grow by 45% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 1.7M AI Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 32%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay AI Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for AI Engineers include California, New York, Washington. In California, the median salary is approximately $160,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my AI Engineer salary?
To increase your AI Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Python and LLMs. Pursue certifications such as Google AI Certificate. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $87,700 to $190,600 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: AI Engineer Salary
How we calculate AI Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Software Developers (SOC 15-1252), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $135,980, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Software Developers; BLS mean $148,100; BLS hourly median $65.38.
- Entry-level ($87,700) and senior-level ($190,600) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +45% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 1,687,890 Software Developers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 32% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $135,980; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for AI Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, AI Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: AI Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Python, LLMs, NLP), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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