As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead AI Engineer in Connecticut is $188,353 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.
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 | $179,976 |
| Intermediate Level Lead AI Engineer | $181,175 |
| Senior Level Lead AI Engineer | $182,375 |
| Specialist Level Lead AI Engineer | $184,774 |
| Expert Level Lead AI Engineer | $187,892 |
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:
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 $189,100 - a projected growth of 0% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead AI Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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