Artificial intelligence engineers use their technical expertise to program machines to think like human brains. Here is how much they earn—by experience, industry, and place.
According to the global artificial intelligence study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, by 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, more than China and India’s combined production today. Organizations approach AI to help drive efficiency and profit.
AI engineers helped us consider how we use machine learning (ML) algorithms, models, and equipment to power our products, services, and global systems. They can easily earn a six-figure salary, as this type of work requires a lot of technical expertise that is in demand.
In this article, you will learn how much an AI engineer earns. We will break it down by experience, industry, and location with suggestions to increase your salary.
What is the average AI engineer’s salary?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, AI engineers can earn an annual average salary of $ 145,080. According to Glassdoor, the average base flooring for AI engineers is $134,023 in the United States.
While the salary limit for AI engineers varies, these wage figures are much higher than the average annual salary in all companies in the US, $65,470.
Best Prompt Engineering Tools to Master AI in 2025
AI engineer’s necessary growth
For AI engineers, there is an increase in an estimated job of 26 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all businesses (4 percent).
AI engineers usually work for companies that help them improve their products, software, operations, and distribution. They are employed in technology, finance, health care, and counseling.
PwC reports that AI skills-required jobs have grown faster than all jobs since 2016 and continued the pitch. In addition, the company reports that wages for jobs that require AI skills pay about 25 percent more than their non-AI talented colleagues.
AI engineer pay by experience
One of the biggest factors that affect your salary is the level of your experience. This makes sense—the more experience you have working as an AI engineer, the more expertise you have, and the more you can expect to serve.
| 0-1 years | $103,015 |
| 1-3 years | $121,513 |
| 4-6 years | $138,185 |
| 7–9 years | $155,008 |
| 10-14 years | $172,361 |
| 15+ years | $185,709 |
You can increase your salary by thousands of dollars by taking on leadership roles such as ML AI director or vice president. However, how much do AI engineers in the industry earn?
Not every industry requires AI engineers, but in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and retail, salaries can vary significantly. Generally, wage levels reflect the associated industries. For example, technology and finance companies tend to offer competitive salaries overall, so AI engineers in these fields often earn above average.
AI Engineer Pay Based on Location
Where you live can also impact your earnings as an AI engineer. Generally, working for companies in large cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Boston, and Chicago is associated with higher pay. This is partly due to the elevated cost of living in these regions.
Since companies employ a geographically diverse workforce, including remote workers, employers may choose to offer location-based salaries. However, this can be challenging because these salaries must also account for the level of qualifications and experience, so location-based wages can sometimes seem inappropriate.
This is the annual base wage for AI engineers in the following major US cities:
| San Jose, CA | $206,706 |
| Boston, MA | $189,318 |
| New York, NY | $189,274 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $186,734 |
| Nashville, TN | $158,077 |
| Dallas, TX | $151,692 |
| Austin, TX | $138,701 |
| Seattle, WA | $136,347 |
Tips to earn more as an AI engineer
Imagine you are an AI engineer with several years of experience. Here are some ways to boost your earning potential:
- Get a master’s degree:
While a master’s degree is not required to work as an AI engineer, approximately 17 percent of AI engineers hold one, compared to 63 percent who have a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s degree can enhance your credentials and expertise, making you more competitive for higher salaries. - Increase your technical skills:
The fields of AI and machine learning are constantly evolving. Updating your technical skills, particularly with the latest tools and systems, can lead to higher earnings and broaden your capabilities in algorithms and modeling techniques. Specializing in a specific industry can also enhance your salary prospects. - Negotiation:
One of the most common mistakes is failing to negotiate your salary. If you choose not to advocate for yourself, the wage gap may widen over time, hindering your earning potential.
Salary for jobs related to AI engineering
What are AI engineers, and what do they earn? Are they eager about it? Take a look at the wage breaks:
| Machine Learning Engineer | $122,904 [8] |
| Software Engineer | $118,251 [9] |
| Software Developer | $104 251 [10] |
| Computer Engineer | $106,543 [11] |
| Data researcher | $118,163 [12] |
Learn how to become an engineer
Learn the skills you need for a career with a high-service career as an AI engineer, an engineer with a professional certificate at Coursera. Join IBM’s AI Engineering Professional Certificate to learn how to provide professional insights from big data using machine learning and deep learning techniques.
In the Microsoft AI & ML Professional Certificate, you will design and use AI infrastructure, distribute machine learning algorithms and techniques, and benefit from Microsoft Azure for your work.
FAQs
What is the average salary of an external AI engineer in 2025?
In 2025, the average wage experience for external AI engineers varies from $ 120,000 to $ 180,000 per year depending on the size of the company and the company.
Can AI engineers do 100% at a distance?
Yes, many AI engineers work completely distant. Most technology companies now provide external first or hybrid roles for AI and machine learning engineers.
Which countries pay the highest salary for external AI engineers?
The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom are among the top-paying countries for distance AI jobs.
What skills are required to become an external AI engineer?
Core skills include knowledge of AI models such as Python, Tensorflow/Pitorch, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud Platform (AWS, GCP,) and LLMS.
Do I need a degree to become an external AI engineer?
While CS or AI helps with a degree in AI, many companies now appoint talented engineers based on portfolio, certificate, and project experience rather than formal education.
Where can I find an external AI engineering job with a highly paid-AI?
Top platforms include LinkedIn, Remotok, Welfound (Angelist), Tople, where we work externally, and the Githb jobs for the external AI opening.
Is feeling a good alternative for AI engineers?
Yes, many AI engineers earn well through freelance platforms such as Upwork, Topl, and Fiverr, providing AI services to global customers.
How competitive is the external AI labor market in 2025?
The demand for AI engineers is increasing rapidly, but the talent is a pool. You need to learn continuous skills, and real-world projects, and stay forward.
