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AI Research Scientist V Salary in the United States

How much does an AI Research Scientist V make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Research Scientist V in the United States is $199,052 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $224,812
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $177,836 to $212,536
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $158,520
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence AI Research Scientist V Salaries

An AI Research Scientist V'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 Research Scientist V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI Research Scientist V'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 Research Scientist II (2-4 years): $107,467
  • AI Research Scientist III (4-7 years): $128,842
  • AI Research Scientist IV (7+ years): $156,230
  • AI Research Scientist V (7-10 years): $199,052
  • AI Research Scientist VI (10-12 years): $220,112
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
AI Research Scientist II2-4 years$107,467
AI Research Scientist III4-7 years$128,842
AI Research Scientist IV7+ years$156,230
AI Research Scientist V7-10 years$199,052
AI Research Scientist VI10-12 years$220,112
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How Do AI Research Scientist V 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 Research Scientist Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $220,390.
  • California: $219,554.
  • Massachusetts: $216,628.

Top Paying Cities for AI Research Scientist Vs

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: $251,064
  • San Francisco: $248,315
  • Oakland: $243,082

AI Research Scientist V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

AI Research Scientist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $222,449. While startup companies pay approximate $188,169.

AI Research Scientist V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $188,169
Growth Stage 51~500 $199,008
Established 501~5000 $214,803
Enterprise 5000+ $222,449

AI Research Scientist V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI Research Scientist V 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, AI Research Scientist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Research Scientist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an AI Research Scientist V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$238,862$115.020%

AI Research Scientist V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AI Research Scientist V'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
$177,836
Average $199,052/year
$212,536
$14,820
Average $16,588/month
$17,711
$3,420
Average $3,828/week
$4,087
$85
Average $96/hour
$102
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $212,536 $17,711 $4,087 $102
Average $199,052 $16,588 $3,828 $96
25th Percentile $177,836 $14,820 $3,420 $85

AI Research Scientist V Salary Growth & Career Path

AI Research Scientist V

Next Role

For an AI Research Scientist V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the AI Research Scientist VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $220,112 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for AI Research Scientist V

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

Common company salaries for AI Research Scientist V

Here are companies hiring for AI Research Scientist V and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about AI Research Scientist V

1. Where can an AI Research Scientist V earn the most?

An AI Research Scientist V'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 Research Scientist V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Research Scientist V is $251,064.

2. What is the highest pay for AI Research Scientist V?

The highest pay for AI Research Scientist V is $224,812.

3. What is the lowest pay for AI Research Scientist V?

The lowest pay for AI Research Scientist V is $158,520.

4. What are the responsibilities of AI Research Scientist V?

Conducts research to advance AI algorithms, techniques, and methodologies. Develops algorithms and models for solving complex AI problems, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or robotics. Designs experiments, collects and analyzes data, and develops prototypes to test new ideas and theories. Explores new approaches, refines existing techniques, and optimizes algorithms for performance and scalability. Stays up to date with the latest advancements in AI research and incorporates new techniques into ongoing projects. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for AI Research Scientist V?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for AI Research Scientist V 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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