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Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salary in California

How much does an Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist make in California?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist in California is $110,026 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $128,170
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,215 to $119,523
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $87,461
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View as table View as graph 25% $98,215 10% $87,461 90% $128,170 75% $119,523 $110,026 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $119,523 $9,960 $2,299 $57
Average $110,026 $9,169 $2,116 $53
25th Percentile $98,215 $8,185 $1,889 $47
Check out Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Job Openings in California
Research Scientist

Jazz Pharmaceuticals - SHANNON PLAZA, NC

Intelligence Support Officer

ManTech International - SAVAGE, MD

Research Engineer

GE Vernova - UPPER UNION, NY

Research Engineer

GE Vernova - NORTH CAMBRIDGE, MA

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Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salaries

An Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist'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 Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,907
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $91,463
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $110,847
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $126,374
  • Expert (over 8 years): $135,965
Levels Salary
Employee ... Level Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist$70,907
Employee ... Level Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist$91,463
Artificia... Level Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist$110,847
Employee ... Level Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist$126,374
Employee ... Level Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist$135,965
$70,907 0 yr
$91,463 < 2 yrs
$110,847 2-4 yrs
$126,374 5-8 yrs
$135,965 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Research Scientists

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:

  • Los Angeles: $110,216
  • West Hollywood: $110,136
  • Dodgertown: $110,215

Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$121,029$58.010%

Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$98,215
Average $110,026/year
$119,523
$8,185
Average $9,169/month
$9,960
$1,889
Average $2,116/week
$2,299
$47
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,523 $9,960 $2,299 $57
Average $110,026 $9,169 $2,116 $53
25th Percentile $98,215 $8,185 $1,889 $47

Salaries of jobs related to Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist

Find Your Next Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • GE Vernova

    UPPER UNION, NY

    Research Engineer

    GE Vernova | UPPER UNION, NY

    As a Research Engineer in GE Vernova’s R&D organization, you will design, model, and test innovative technologies for low‑carbon power generation, grid mod... more

    6 Days Ago

  • ManTech International

    WEST SPRINGFIELD, VA

    Data Scientist

    ManTech International | WEST SPRINGFIELD, VA

    At ManTech, we are dedicated to providing advanced technology and solutions to secure our national security. We are seeking a Data Scientist who will lever... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Mercy

    VILLAGE, OK

    Clinical Research Nurse

    Mercy | VILLAGE, OK

    Mercy is seeking a Clinical Research Nurse to support and coordinate clinical trials within our Healthcare & Medical Services department. In this role, you... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Professional Case Management

    PROVIDENCE, RI

    Registered Dietitian Clinical Research

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    Professional Case Management is seeking a Registered Dietitian to support Clinical Research, Analytics & Strategic Planning within our Healthcare & Medical... more

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    HARLOWTON, MT

    RN Pediatric Clinical Research

    Professional Case Management | HARLOWTON, MT

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    WINOOSKI, VT

    RN Pediatric Clinical Research

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