As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI/ML Specialist Leader in the United States is $93,015 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an AI/ML Specialist Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AI/ML Specialist Leader'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an AI/ML Specialist Leader'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level AI/ML Specialist Leader | $88,395 |
| Intermediate Level AI/ML Specialist Leader | $88,659 |
| Senior Level AI/ML Specialist Leader | $89,712 |
| Specialist Level AI/ML Specialist Leader | $91,293 |
| Expert Level AI/ML Specialist Leader | $93,819 |
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/ML Specialist Leaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many AI/ML Specialist Leaders enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an AI/ML Specialist Leader with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,305 and $110,215).
AI/ML Specialist Leader Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 10.4% |
| Associates | 5.2% |
| Bachelors | 35.8% |
| Masters | 41.6% |
| Doctorate | 5.8% |
Understanding how an AI/ML Specialist Leader'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an AI/ML Specialist Leader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $84,067 in 2023 to around $84,092 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AI/ML Specialist Leader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $84,067 |
| 2024 | $84,500 |
| 2025 | $84,092 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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