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AI Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an AI Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Engineering Manager in the United States is $176,934 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $199,175
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $163,203 to $188,576
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $150,702
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence AI Engineering Manager Salaries

An AI Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI Engineering Manager'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:

  • AI Engineer IV (7+ years): $158,360
  • AI Engineer V (7-10 years): $176,128
  • AI Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,934
  • AI Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $198,967
  • AI Engineering Director (10+ years): $228,216
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
AI Engineer IV7+ years$158,360
AI Engineer V7-10 years$176,128
AI Engineering Manager10+ years$176,934
AI Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$198,967
AI Engineering Director10+ years$228,216
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How Do AI Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $195,901.
  • California: $195,158.
  • Massachusetts: $192,557.

Top Paying Cities for AI Engineering Manager

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: $223,167
  • San Francisco: $220,723
  • Oakland: $216,072

AI Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

AI Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $198,067. While startup companies pay approximate $167,560.

AI Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $167,560
Growth Stage 51~500 $177,215
Established 501~5000 $191,269
Enterprise 5000+ $198,067

AI Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, AI Engineering Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$212,321$102.020%
Internet$208,782$100.018%
Financial Services$203,474$98.015%
Pharmaceuticals$203,474$98.015%
Aerospace & Defense$194,627$94.010%

AI Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AI Engineering Manager'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 August 01, 2026
$163,203
Average $176,934/year
$188,576
$13,600
Average $14,745/month
$15,715
$3,139
Average $3,403/week
$3,626
$78
Average $85/hour
$91
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $188,576 $15,715 $3,626 $91
Average $176,934 $14,745 $3,403 $85
25th Percentile $163,203 $13,600 $3,139 $78

AI Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

AI Engineering Manager

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Advancement

For an AI Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Engineering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $198,967 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for AI Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for AI Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for AI Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about AI Engineering Manager

1. Where can an AI Engineering Manager earn the most?

An AI Engineering Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Engineering Manager is $223,167.

2. What is the highest pay for AI Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for AI Engineering Manager is $199,175.

3. What is the lowest pay for AI Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for AI Engineering Manager is $150,702.

4. What are the responsibilities of AI Engineering Manager?

Manages 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 a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for AI Engineering Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for AI Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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