As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineering Director in the United States is $228,220 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $110.
However, an AI Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Smart Recruiting
AI Engineering Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $232,243 | $19,354 | $4,466 | $112 |
| Average | $228,220 | $19,018 | $4,389 | $110 |
| 25th Percentile | $220,260 | $18,355 | $4,236 | $106 |
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) - Columbus, OH
NEURA Robotics - New Bremen, OH
Rogue Fitness - Columbus, OH
Hypatos - New Bremen, OH
An AI Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director'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 IV | 7+ years | $158,356 |
| AI Engineer V | 7-10 years | $176,184 |
| AI Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $176,926 |
| AI Engineering Senior Manager | 10+ years | $198,973 |
| AI Engineering Director | 10+ years | $228,220 |
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 Engineering Directors. 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 Engineering Director'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 | $232,243 | $19,354 | $4,466 | $112 |
| Average | $228,220 | $19,018 | $4,389 | $110 |
| 25th Percentile | $220,260 | $18,355 | $4,236 | $106 |
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 Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AI Engineering Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
An AI Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Engineering Director is $287,854.
The highest pay for AI Engineering Director is $235,906.
The lowest pay for AI Engineering Director is $213,013.
Directs and oversees the design and development of scalable solutions using AI tools and machine learning models. Leads a team that is responsible for the scalability, reliability, and performance of AI systems. Monitors the development and execution of performance tests on AI systems that 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 senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
