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AI Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineer VI in the United States is $231,832 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $111.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $258,347
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $213,435 to $245,711
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $196,685
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence AI Engineer VI Salaries

An AI Engineer VI'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 VI Salaries?

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

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $224,418
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $225,791
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $226,340
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $228,537
  • Expert (over 8 years): $230,459
Levels Salary
Entry Level AI Engineer VI$224,418
Intermediate Level AI Engineer VI$225,791
Senior Level AI Engineer VI$226,340
Specialist Level AI Engineer VI$228,537
Expert Level AI Engineer VI$230,459
View as Graph

How Do AI Engineer VI 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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $256,684.
  • California: $255,711.
  • Massachusetts: $252,303.

Top Paying Cities for AI Engineer VIs

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: $292,410
  • San Francisco: $289,208
  • Oakland: $283,113

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

AI Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $259,082. While startup companies pay approximate $219,157.

AI Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $219,157
Growth Stage 51~500 $231,780
Established 501~5000 $250,177
Enterprise 5000+ $259,082

AI Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, AI Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$289,790$139.025%
Financial Services$278,198$134.020%
Biotechnology$266,607$128.015%
Internet$266,607$128.015%
Pharmaceuticals$266,607$128.015%

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

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$213,435
Average $231,832/year
$245,711
$17,786
Average $19,319/month
$20,476
$4,105
Average $4,458/week
$4,725
$103
Average $111/hour
$118
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $245,711 $20,476 $4,725 $118
Average $231,832 $19,319 $4,458 $111
25th Percentile $213,435 $17,786 $4,105 $103

AI Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

AI Engineer VI

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Advancement

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 $176,936 - a projected growth of -24% over your current level.

Most common benefits for AI Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for AI Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about AI Engineer VI

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

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 $292,410.

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

The highest pay for AI Engineer VI is $258,347.

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

The lowest pay for AI Engineer VI is $196,685.

4. What are the responsibilities of AI Engineer VI?

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.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for AI Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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