AI Engineer Salary (2026)
Based on 17 real job listings · Updated April 2026
25th Percentile
$127K
Median
$147K
75th Percentile
$200K
See where YOU fall on this scale
Adjust the slider to estimate your salary range.
Based on your 3 years of experience, you're likely in the Mid-level range:
$127K – $200K
AI Engineer Salary by Seniority Level
| Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $83K – $130K | $95K |
| Mid | $127K – $200K | $147K |
| Senior | $165K – $260K | $191K |
| Staff | $197K – $310K | $228K |
Work Model Split
Remote
21%
On-site / Hybrid
79%
Top Companies Hiring AI Engineers
| Company | Avg Salary | Open Roles |
|---|---|---|
| databricks | N/A | 3 |
| xsolla | N/A | 3 |
| synechron | N/A | 2 |
| samsara | N/A | 2 |
| idc | N/A | 2 |
Other Tech & Engineering Salaries
AI Engineer Salary by City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average AI Engineer salary in the US?
The median AI Engineer salary in the US is $147K per year, with a range from $127K (25th percentile) to $200K (75th percentile) based on 17 active job listings.
What factors affect AI Engineer salary?
AI Engineer salaries vary significantly based on years of experience, company size, location (remote vs. on-site), industry, and specific technical skills. Senior roles can earn 30–55% more than entry-level positions.
What cities pay the most for AI Engineer roles?
San Francisco, New York, and Seattle consistently rank among the highest-paying cities for AI Engineer roles.
How do I negotiate a higher AI Engineer salary?
Research market rates using tools like TryApplyNow's salary guide, know your 25th–75th percentile range, and benchmark against your years of experience. Having competing offers and documenting your impact are the strongest negotiation levers.
Is remote AI Engineer pay comparable to on-site?
About 21% of AI Engineer job listings offer remote work. Remote roles can sometimes pay 5–15% less than co-located roles in high-cost cities, but often match or exceed salaries in lower-cost markets.
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