upper level job

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II in the United States is $115,350 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,582
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,170 to $125,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,633

Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salaries

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Artificial Intelligence Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Algorithm Engineer I (0-2 years): $103,729
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer II (2-4 years): $115,347
  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $139,046
  • Principal Algorithm Engineer (7+ years): $163,044
  • Lead Algorithm Engineer (7-10 years): $193,374
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Algorithm Engineer I0-2 years$103,729
Artificial Intelligence Engineer II2-4 years$115,347
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$139,046
Principal Algorithm Engineer7+ years$163,044
Lead Algorithm Engineer7-10 years$193,374

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Engineer IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $145,490
  • San Francisco: $143,900
  • Oakland: $140,870

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $128,908. While startup companies pay approximate $109,043.

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $109,043
Growth Stage 51~500 $115,324
Established 501~5000 $124,478
Enterprise 5000+ $128,908

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$149,955$72.030%

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$108,170
Average $115,350/year
$125,940
$9,014
Average $9,613/month
$10,495
$2,080
Average $2,218/week
$2,422
$52
Average $55/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,940 $10,495 $2,422 $61
Average $115,350 $9,613 $2,218 $55
25th Percentile $108,170 $9,014 $2,080 $52

Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Artificial Intelligence Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Algorithm Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $139,100 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Artificial Intelligence Engineer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Artificial Intelligence Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for Artificial Intelligence Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Artificial Intelligence Engineer II Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Artificial Intelligence Engineer II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Artificial Intelligence Engineer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Artificial Intelligence Engineer II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is engineer ii level?

Engineer II is the experienced, intermediate-level class in the professional engineering series. Under direction, within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents perform a wide range of the more complex engineering assignments. The salary for this role typically ranges from $97,710 to $117,740, with a midpoint of $106,430.

3. What is the salary of entry-level AI engineer?

The salary of an entry-level AI engineer typically ranges from $97,710 to $106,430, with a midpoint of $106,430. Factors such as experience, location, and company can influence these figures. As professionals gain experience, salaries can increase, reaching up to $117,740 for more advanced roles.

4. What is the salary of entry level AI jobs in the US?

The salary for entry-level AI Engineer positions in the US typically ranges from $97,710 to $106,430, with the maximum salary reaching $117,740. This data reflects the current market trends for AI roles, indicating a competitive starting salary for newcomers in the field.

5. Which companies hire AI engineers?

Top Product-Based Companies For AI Engineers include Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Adobe, Apple, and Zoho. AI engineers can expect salaries ranging from $97,710 to $117,740, with a median salary of $106,430, reflecting the high demand and competitive nature of this field.

6. Can AI engineers work from home?

AI is growing rapidly, and the coming decades will see more AI-powered voice assistants guiding our every task. This surge in demand means that remote AI engineer jobs are on the rise, with salaries ranging from $97,710 to $117,740, and a median salary of $106,430. If you want to work as an AI engineer, there has never been a better or more exciting time.

7. How much does an AI engineer earn in the USA?

AI engineers in the USA can expect to earn between $97,710 and $117,740 annually, with a median salary of approximately $106,430. This data reflects the current salary trends for AI engineers, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job