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AI Research Scientist VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI Research Scientist VI in the United States is $220,112 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $106.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $232,652
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $198,633 to $226,676
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $179,077
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence AI Research Scientist VI Salaries

An AI Research Scientist 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 Research Scientist VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI Research Scientist 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:

  • 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
View as Graph

How Do AI Research Scientist 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 Research Scientist VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $243,708.
  • California: $242,784.
  • Massachusetts: $239,548.

Top Paying Cities for AI Research Scientist 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: $277,627
  • San Francisco: $274,588
  • Oakland: $268,801

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

AI Research Scientist VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $245,984. While startup companies pay approximate $208,078.

AI Research Scientist VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $208,078
Growth Stage 51~500 $220,063
Established 501~5000 $237,529
Enterprise 5000+ $245,984

AI Research Scientist VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI Research Scientist VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, AI Research Scientist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI Research Scientist VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI Research Scientist VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$308,157$148.040%
Internet$286,146$138.030%
Biotechnology$275,140$132.025%
Pharmaceuticals$275,140$132.025%
Financial Services$264,134$127.020%

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

Understanding how an AI Research Scientist 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
$198,633
Average $220,112/year
$226,676
$16,553
Average $18,343/month
$18,890
$3,820
Average $4,233/week
$4,359
$95
Average $106/hour
$109
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $226,676 $18,890 $4,359 $109
Average $220,112 $18,343 $4,233 $106
25th Percentile $198,633 $16,553 $3,820 $95

Most common benefits for AI Research Scientist VI

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

Common company salaries for AI Research Scientist VI

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

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FAQ about AI Research Scientist VI

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

An AI Research Scientist 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 Research Scientist VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an AI Research Scientist VI is $277,627.

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

The highest pay for AI Research Scientist VI is $232,652.

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

The lowest pay for AI Research Scientist VI is $179,077.

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

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. 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 Research Scientist VI?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for AI Research Scientist VI roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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