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AI Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does an AI Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineer I in the United States is $92,674 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, an AI Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,649
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,034 to $95,278
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $76,168
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence AI Engineer I Salaries

An AI Engineer I'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 AI Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI Engineer I'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:

  • AI Engineer I (0-2 years): $92,674
  • AI Engineer II (2-4 years): $108,472
  • AI Engineer III (4-7 years): $121,907
  • AI Engineer IV (7+ years): $158,360
  • AI Engineer V (7-10 years): $176,128
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
AI Engineer I0-2 years$92,674
AI Engineer II2-4 years$108,472
AI Engineer III4-7 years$121,907
AI Engineer IV7+ years$158,360
AI Engineer V7-10 years$176,128
View as Graph

How Do AI Engineer Is 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 AI Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $102,609.
  • California: $102,219.
  • Massachusetts: $100,857.

Top Paying Cities for AI Engineer I

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: $116,890
  • San Francisco: $115,610
  • Oakland: $113,173

AI Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

AI Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $103,743. While startup companies pay approximate $87,764.

AI Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $87,764
Growth Stage 51~500 $92,821
Established 501~5000 $100,182
Enterprise 5000+ $103,743

AI Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, AI Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$120,476$58.030%
Financial Services$111,209$53.020%
Internet$111,209$53.020%
Software & Networking$111,209$53.020%
Aerospace & Defense$106,575$51.015%

AI Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AI Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026
$84,034
Average $92,674/year
$95,278
$7,003
Average $7,723/month
$7,940
$1,616
Average $1,782/week
$1,832
$40
Average $45/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,278 $7,940 $1,832 $46
Average $92,674 $7,723 $1,782 $45
25th Percentile $84,034 $7,003 $1,616 $40

AI Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

AI Engineer I

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Advancement

For an AI Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $108,472 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for AI Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for AI Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for AI Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about AI Engineer I

1. Where can an AI Engineer I earn the most?

An AI Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an AI Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Engineer I is $116,890.

2. What is the highest pay for AI Engineer I?

The highest pay for AI Engineer I is $97,649.

3. What is the lowest pay for AI Engineer I?

The lowest pay for AI Engineer I is $76,168.

4. What are the responsibilities of AI Engineer I?

Ensures the scalability, reliability, and performance of AI systems. Develops and executes performance tests on AI systems to measure their efficiency in handling large amounts of data, complex algorithms, and processing speeds to ensure optimal performance. Performs research and testing to develop machine learning algorithms and predictive models. Utilizes big data computation and storage tools to create prototypes and datasets. Proficient in big data tools, cloud platforms, and machine learning. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for AI Engineer I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for AI Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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