As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineer VI in the United States is $248,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $119.
However, an AI Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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AI Engineer VI Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $270,493 | $22,541 | $5,202 | $130 |
| Average | $248,530 | $20,711 | $4,779 | $119 |
| 25th Percentile | $228,660 | $19,055 | $4,397 | $110 |
Booz Allen Hamilton - WASHINGTON, DC
Sciolex Group - CHANTILLY, VA
Cornerstone Defense - CHANTILLY, VA
Plateau Grp DBA Plateau Software - FAIRFAX, VA
An AI Engineer VI's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 VIs. 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 VI'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 | $270,493 | $22,541 | $5,202 | $130 |
| Average | $248,530 | $20,711 | $4,779 | $119 |
| 25th Percentile | $228,660 | $19,055 | $4,397 | $110 |
For an AI Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $176,921 - a projected growth of -29% over your current level.
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for AI Engineer VI 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 VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An AI Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Engineer VI is $313,471.
The highest pay for AI Engineer VI is $290,488.
The lowest pay for AI Engineer VI is $210,568.
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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.
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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