As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI/ML Specialist in the United States is $119,446 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, an AI/ML Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AI/ML Specialist'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'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 | $114,390 |
| Intermediate Level AI/ML Specialist | $114,885 |
| Senior Level AI/ML Specialist | $115,380 |
| Specialist Level AI/ML Specialist | $117,161 |
| Expert Level AI/ML Specialist | $120,719 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.38% |
| Contract Negotiation | 1.86% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Confidentiality
|
$158,863 |
33%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$158,863 |
33%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$158,863 |
33%
|
|
Dispute Resolution
|
$158,863 |
33%
|
|
Commitment
|
$158,863 |
33%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$152,891 |
28%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many AI/ML Specialists 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 with a Bachelor's Degree is between $127,649 and $135,454).
AI/ML Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.7% |
| High School | 6.7% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 6.7% |
| Doctorate | 46.7% |
Understanding how an AI/ML Specialist'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 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,603 in 2023 to around $105,144 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AI/ML Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $108,603 |
| 2024 | $107,242 |
| 2025 | $105,144 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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