As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III in the United States is $128,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $134,900 | $11,242 | $2,594 | $65 |
| Average | $128,900 | $10,742 | $2,479 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,100 | $10,425 | $2,406 | $60 |
An Artificial Intelligence Researcher III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Researcher II | 2-4 years | $107,467 |
| Artificial Intelligence Researcher III | 4-7 years | $128,842 |
| Artificial Intelligence Researcher IV | 7+ years | $156,230 |
| Artificial Intelligence Researcher V | 7-10 years | $199,052 |
| Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI | 10-12 years | $220,112 |
Artificial Intelligence Researcher III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $144,051. While startup companies pay approximate $121,853.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $121,853 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $128,871 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $139,100 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $144,051 |
Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $134,900 | $11,242 | $2,594 | $65 |
| Average | $128,900 | $10,742 | $2,479 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,100 | $10,425 | $2,406 | $60 |
Next Role
Advancement
For an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Artificial Intelligence Researcher IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $156,300 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Researcher III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A PhD at Tesla can expect a salary range of approximately $132K to $164K based on the salary data for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher. The minimum salary is $132,000, the mid-range salary is $147,300, and the maximum salary is $164,300.
Google AI researchers typically earn between $132,000 and $164,300 annually, with a median salary around $147,300. This range reflects the competitive compensation for AI roles in the industry, aligning with the growing demand for expertise in artificial intelligence.
AI researchers generally earn substantial salaries. Based on current data, the minimum salary is around $132,000, with a mid-range salary of approximately $147,300, and top earners making up to $164,300 annually. These figures can fluctuate based on experience, location, and specific job roles within the field.
AI researchers can earn a substantial income. Based on current data, the minimum salary is $132,000, with a mid-range salary of $147,300 and a maximum salary reaching $164,300. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field, making it a lucrative career choice for those in artificial intelligence research.
Yes, AI is in high demand in the USA, with a projected market size of US$66.21bn by 2025 and an annual growth rate of 27.57% from 2025 to 2030. This demand is reflected in the salary range for Artificial Intelligence Researchers, which ranges from $132,000 to $164,300, highlighting the value placed on expertise in this field.
The salary for an AI researcher typically ranges from $132,000 to $164,300, with a median salary of $147,300. In comparison, an AI engineer earns an average base pay of approximately $127,986. This indicates that AI researchers generally have a higher earning potential than AI engineers.
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