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Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary in the United States

How much does an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $140,363
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,100 to $134,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $121,640

Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Artificial Intelligence Researcher Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Artificial Intelligence Researcher II2-4 years$107,467
Artificial Intelligence Researcher III4-7 years$128,842
Artificial Intelligence Researcher IV7+ years$156,230
Artificial Intelligence Researcher V7-10 years$199,052
Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI10-12 years$220,112

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Researcher IIIs

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: $162,600
  • San Francisco: $160,800
  • Oakland: $157,400

Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary by Company Size

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

Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Researcher III 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Researcher positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Researcher III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$154,680$74.020%
Biotechnology$154,680$74.020%
Business Services$154,680$74.020%
Chemicals$154,680$74.020%
Construction$154,680$74.020%

Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$125,100
Average $128,900/year
$134,900
$10,425
Average $10,742/month
$11,242
$2,406
Average $2,479/week
$2,594
$60
Average $62/hour
$65
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

Artificial Intelligence Researcher III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Most common benefits for Artificial Intelligence Researcher III

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

Common company salaries for Artificial Intelligence Researcher III

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

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FAQ about Artificial Intelligence Researcher III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Artificial Intelligence Researcher III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Researcher III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a PHD at Tesla make?

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.

3. How much do Google AI researchers make?

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.

4. Do AI researchers make a lot of money?

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.

5. Do AI researchers make a lot of money?

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.

6. Is AI in demand in USA?

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.

7. What is the salary of AI engineer vs AI researcher?

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.

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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