The average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the US is $155,000 per year.
Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, build, and deploy intelligent systems that automate decision-making and improve business operations. In the US, this role is highly valued across technology companies, robotics firms, fintech organizations, healthcare platforms, and AI-driven startups. Salaries vary based on deep learning expertise, large language model experience, and ability to move AI models into production. Professionals who build scalable AI systems with real-world impact typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Artificial Intelligence Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $155,000 |
| Median Salary | $150,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $110,000 |
| Highest Salary | $240,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Gender pay differences for Artificial Intelligence Engineers in the US are influenced by research depth, production experience, and leadership exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $160,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $150,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $155,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where compensation is directly tied to innovation and AI system performance.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Artificial Intelligence Engineers in the US typically earn around $110,000 per year. These roles focus on model experimentation, data preprocessing, and assisting with deployment pipelines. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in machine learning or artificial intelligence roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Artificial Intelligence Engineers usually earn between $135,000 and $190,000 per year. At this stage, professionals deploy production AI systems, optimize models, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Expertise in scalable AI infrastructure significantly increases salary potential.
Senior Level
Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineers earn $210,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $240,000 in large US technology organizations. These professionals lead AI architecture design, oversee research implementation, and drive innovation strategies. Compensation reflects responsibility for high-impact AI initiatives.
Certifications for Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate
- TensorFlow Developer Certificate
- NVIDIA Deep Learning Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Large language models and generative AI
- Model deployment and MLOps
- Python and AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Data engineering for AI systems
- Cloud AI services
Best-paying cities for Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($155,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $183,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $171,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $166,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $160,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $149,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $141,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $139,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $156,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $144,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience and location-based salary data to define a realistic target range. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates demonstrate how their AI systems improved automation, accuracy, or revenue. - Look beyond base salary
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Future Outlook for Artificial Intelligence Engineer Compensation
As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, demand for skilled Artificial Intelligence Engineers remains strong. Professionals who combine deep technical knowledge with real-world deployment expertise are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $155,000 a good salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
Yes, $155,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on industry and expertise.
Can Artificial Intelligence Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior-level AI engineers and AI leads in major tech companies can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do AI certifications increase salary?
Certifications improve credibility, but hands-on production experience has a stronger impact on compensation.
Are remote Artificial Intelligence roles common?
Yes, many Artificial Intelligence Engineer roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Artificial Intelligence Engineers the most?
Technology, robotics, fintech, healthcare AI, and enterprise SaaS companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
It usually takes 6–10 years of experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning roles.
Is Artificial Intelligence Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, continued AI adoption ensures strong long-term demand for Artificial Intelligence Engineers.
