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Artificial Intelligence Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V in the United States is $193,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $214,214
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $176,890 to $204,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $161,868

Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Engineer V Salaries

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer V'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 V'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:

  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $139,046
  • Principal Algorithm Engineer (7+ years): $163,044
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer V (7-10 years): $193,374
  • Algorithm Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,936
  • Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $198,965
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$139,046
Principal Algorithm Engineer7+ years$163,044
Artificial Intelligence Engineer V7-10 years$193,374
Algorithm Engineering Manager10+ years$176,936
Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$198,965

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Engineer Vs

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: $243,990
  • San Francisco: $241,290
  • Oakland: $236,190

What Skills Can Increase an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.73% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 4.61% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 1.37% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.73%
Computer Science 4.61%
Programming 1.37%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V's salary.

  • Active Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Active Learning $216,597
12%
Data-Driven Decision-Making $214,663
11%
Products and Services $210,795
9%

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

Artificial Intelligence Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $216,121. While startup companies pay approximate $182,817.

Artificial Intelligence Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $182,817
Growth Stage 51~500 $193,347
Established 501~5000 $208,693
Enterprise 5000+ $216,121

Artificial Intelligence Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$232,068$112.020%
Energy & Utilities$222,398$107.015%
Internet$216,597$104.012%
Aerospace & Defense$212,729$102.010%
Pharmaceuticals$212,729$102.010%

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

Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V'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
$176,890
Average $193,390/year
$204,290
$14,741
Average $16,116/month
$17,024
$3,402
Average $3,719/week
$3,929
$85
Average $93/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $204,290 $17,024 $3,929 $98
Average $193,390 $16,116 $3,719 $93
25th Percentile $176,890 $14,741 $3,402 $85

Artificial Intelligence Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Artificial Intelligence Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Artificial Intelligence Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $231,900 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Artificial Intelligence Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Artificial Intelligence Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Artificial Intelligence Engineer V

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Which degree is best for AI?

A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field is ideal for pursuing a career as an Artificial Intelligence Engineer. These programs provide essential knowledge in algorithms, machine learning, and programming. With salaries ranging from $172,890 to $209,690, a strong educational background can lead to lucrative opportunities in this rapidly growing field.

3. How much does an entry level AI engineer make in the US?

As of now, the salary range for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the United States is between $172,890 and $209,690 annually. The midpoint salary is approximately $189,490. This reflects the growing demand and expertise required in the field of AI engineering.

4. How many years is PhD in AI?

A PhD in Artificial Intelligence usually takes 3-4 years full-time or about 6 years part-time. In addition to traditional PhDs, many universities offer Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) funded by UKRI. Graduates in this field can expect salaries ranging from $172,890 to $209,690, with a mid-salary of $189,490.

5. What is the salary for AI engineer?

The salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer ranges from a minimum of $172,890 to a maximum of $209,690, with a mid-salary of $189,490. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in AI.

6. How much does an AI PHD earn in Us?

An AI Engineer with a PhD in the U.S. can expect to earn between $172,890 and $209,690 annually, with a median salary of approximately $189,490. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field of artificial intelligence, significantly surpassing the earnings of typical PhD students in related areas.

7. What degree is needed for AI engineer?

To become an AI engineer, a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a related field is typically required. Many positions also prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, especially for advanced roles. The salary for AI engineers ranges from approximately $172,890 to $209,690, with a median salary around $189,490, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this 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.)

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