As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead AI Engineer in the United States is $176,243 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
However, a Lead AI Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead AI Engineer'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 a Lead AI Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead AI Engineer | $168,406 |
| Intermediate Level Lead AI Engineer | $169,529 |
| Senior Level Lead AI Engineer | $170,651 |
| Specialist Level Lead AI Engineer | $172,896 |
| Expert Level Lead AI Engineer | $175,814 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Lead AI Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.73% |
| Computer Science | 4.61% |
| Programming | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Active Learning
|
$197,392 |
12%
|
|
Data-Driven Decision-Making
|
$195,630 |
11%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$192,105 |
9%
|
|
Team Building
|
$186,818 |
6%
|
|
Data Structure
|
$186,818 |
6%
|
|
Team Development
|
$185,055 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Lead AI Engineer'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 January 01, 2026For a Lead AI Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Algorithm Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $177,000 - a projected growth of 0% over your current level.
Salaries for a Lead AI Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $172,227 in 2023 to around $172,230 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead AI Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $172,227 |
| 2024 | $174,002 |
| 2025 | $172,230 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lead AI Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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As of now, the salary for a Lead AI Engineer ranges from $172,893 to $209,653 annually, with a mid-point salary of $189,453. This reflects the competitive compensation for AI roles, particularly at leading companies like Netflix.
The highest salary for a Lead AI Engineer is $209,653. Salaries vary by experience, with early career professionals earning around $172,893, while those in mid-career positions can expect approximately $189,453. As experience increases, so does the potential for higher earnings in this field.
The salary for a Lead AI Engineer ranges from $172,893 to $209,653 per year, with a median salary of $189,453. These figures reflect the compensation for this role, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and expertise in the field.
The salary for a Lead AI Engineer typically ranges from $172,893 to $209,653 annually, with a median salary of approximately $189,453. This reflects the competitive compensation for leadership roles in AI, considering the expertise and responsibilities involved.
To secure a high-paying job in AI, consider obtaining a relevant degree, as many positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Focus on fields like computer science or mathematics. With experience, Lead AI Engineers can earn between $172,893 and $209,653, making it a lucrative career path. Stay updated with industry trends and continuously enhance your skills.
The estimated salary range for a Lead AI Engineer is between $172,893 and $209,653 per year. The average salary falls around $189,453. This figure may vary based on experience, location, and additional compensation such as bonuses or stock options.
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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