As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI/ML Specialist in the United States is $119,388 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 |
|---|---|
| Labor Rel... Level AI/ML Specialist | $79,147 |
| Labor Rel... Level AI/ML Specialist | $95,937 |
| AI/ML Spe... Level AI/ML Specialist | $117,806 |
| Labor Rel... Level AI/ML Specialist | $132,560 |
| Labor Rel... Level AI/ML Specialist | $150,319 |
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
|
$158,786 |
33%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$158,786 |
33%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$158,786 |
33%
|
|
Dispute Resolution
|
$158,786 |
33%
|
|
Commitment
|
$158,786 |
33%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$152,817 |
28%
|
For AI/ML Specialist 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 Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, AI/ML Specialist positions in Transportation or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI/ML Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $143,266 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $140,878 | $68.0 | 18% |
| Construction | $137,296 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $133,715 | $64.0 | 12% |
| Healthcare | $131,327 | $63.0 | 10% |
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 July 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 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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