As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineer IV in Edwards, CA is $161,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, an AI Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AI Engineer IV'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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an AI Engineer IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $110,596 |
| AI Engineer III | 4-7 years | $124,307 |
| AI Engineer IV | 7+ years | $161,460 |
| AI Engineer V | 7-10 years | $179,591 |
| AI Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $180,396 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Insight | 3.42% |
| Computer Science | 3.85% |
| Economics | 2.14% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Research Design
|
$172,762 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$171,147 |
6%
|
|
Inference
|
$171,147 |
6%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$169,533 |
5%
|
|
Empowerment
|
$169,533 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$167,918 |
4%
|
AI Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,591. While startup companies pay approximate $152,726.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $152,726 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $161,532 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $174,395 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $180,591 |
For AI Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, AI Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $201,825 | $97.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $193,752 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $185,679 | $89.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $177,606 | $85.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $177,606 | $85.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an AI Engineer IV'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 July 01, 2026For an AI Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $179,591 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AI Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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