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Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI in the United States is $220,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $106.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $232,618
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $198,700 to $226,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $179,125
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI Salaries

An Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI'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 VI'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
View as Graph

How Do Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Artificial Intelligence Researcher VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $243,800.
  • California: $242,800.
  • Massachusetts: $239,600.

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Researcher VIs

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: $277,700
  • San Francisco: $274,600
  • Oakland: $268,900

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

Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $246,083. While startup companies pay approximate $208,161.

Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $208,161
Growth Stage 51~500 $220,151
Established 501~5000 $237,624
Enterprise 5000+ $246,083

Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Researcher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$308,280$148.040%
Internet$286,260$138.030%
Biotechnology$275,250$132.025%
Pharmaceuticals$275,250$132.025%
Financial Services$264,240$127.020%

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

Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI'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
$198,700
Average $220,200/year
$226,700
$16,558
Average $18,350/month
$18,892
$3,821
Average $4,235/week
$4,360
$96
Average $106/hour
$109
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $226,700 $18,892 $4,360 $109
Average $220,200 $18,350 $4,235 $106
25th Percentile $198,700 $16,558 $3,821 $96

Most common benefits for Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI

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

Common company salaries for Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI

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

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FAQ about Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. 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 $230,000 to $280,600, with a mid-salary of $255,100.

3. How much does an AI PhD earn in us?

An AI PhD in the US can expect to earn between $230,000 and $280,600 annually, with a median salary around $255,100. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills in the field of artificial intelligence research, significantly surpassing typical salaries for PhD students.

4. Is AI in demand in USA?

Yes, AI is in high demand in the USA. The market size for Artificial Intelligence is projected to reach US$66.21 billion by 2025, with an impressive annual growth rate of 27.57% from 2025 to 2030, potentially reaching US$223.70 billion. This demand is reflected in the salary range for AI Researchers, with salaries ranging from $230,000 to $280,600.

5. Which PhD pays the most in USA?

One of the highest-paying PhD degrees in the USA is in Artificial Intelligence Research, with salaries ranging from $230,000 to $280,600. This field offers lucrative opportunities, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in AI and machine learning across various industries. Other high-paying PhDs include Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Aerospace Engineering.

6. Do you need a PhD to be an AI research scientist?

A PhD is not strictly required to become an AI research scientist, but it can significantly enhance your qualifications and opportunities in the field. Many positions prefer candidates with advanced degrees due to the complexity of the work. Salaries for AI researchers typically range from $230,000 to $280,600, depending on experience and expertise.

7. What is the salary of entry level AI researcher?

The salary for an entry-level Artificial Intelligence Researcher typically ranges from a minimum of $230,000 to a mid-level salary of $255,100, with top earners reaching up to $280,600 annually. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field of AI research.

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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