As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineer II in the United States is $108,470 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an AI Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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AI Engineer II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,481 | $9,873 | $2,278 | $57 |
| Average | $108,470 | $9,039 | $2,086 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,706 | $8,476 | $1,956 | $49 |
Resilience - Pisgah, OH
City of Dublin - Dublin, OH
Tech Providers Inc. - Delaware, OH
New Castle Hotels - Newark, OH
An AI Engineer II'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 an AI Engineer II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| AI Engineer I | 0-2 years | $92,664 |
| AI Engineer II | 2-4 years | $108,470 |
| AI Engineer III | 4-7 years | $121,959 |
| AI Engineer IV | 7+ years | $158,356 |
| AI Engineer V | 7-10 years | $176,184 |
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 AI Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an AI Engineer II'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $118,481 | $9,873 | $2,278 | $57 |
| Average | $108,470 | $9,039 | $2,086 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,706 | $8,476 | $1,956 | $49 |
For an AI Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $121,959 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for AI Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AI Engineer II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An AI Engineer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Engineer II is $136,813.
The highest pay for AI Engineer II is $127,595.
The lowest pay for AI Engineer II is $95,548.
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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
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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