Artificial Intelligence Jobs: Salary Overview by Seniority

If you're considering a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or looking to advance in the field, you're not alone. AI is no longer a niche area; it’s a critical part of every industry, from healthcare to robotics. But how do you break into AI or climb the career ladder once you’re in?

The truth is, successful AI professionals don’t just apply for jobs. They build their careers. Whether you're a beginner, switching fields, or aiming for a leadership role, your career trajectory depends on mastering the right skills, gaining hands-on experience, and understanding how AI salaries grow as you progress.

In this article, we’ll break down the artificial intelligence salary landscape, showing you what to expect at each experience level. From entry-level machine learning engineers to senior research scientists, your AI salary is heavily influenced by skills, experience, and location. We'll dive into the factors that drive these numbers and provide tips to help you maximize your earning potential.

Read: How to Get Into AI: Jobs, Career Paths, and How to Get Started

The Role of Experience in AI Job Salaries

Experience is the primary determinant of your earning potential in AI. As you move through your career, your skills, expertise, and the value you bring to your company will have a direct impact on your salary. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at different stages of your AI career.

Entry-Level AI Jobs

What can you expect as an AI newbie? Here’s a breakdown of entry-level roles and salary expectations.

Job Titles:

• AI Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Algorithms Developer

At the entry level, you’re just getting started, but the potential is significant. Entry-level AI professionals can earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on the company, location, and their expertise. For instance, AI engineers at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft often earn around $130,548 on average, with bonuses and stock options. In tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City, salaries can go even higher.

Key Skills to Master:

• Machine learning algorithms: A fundamental knowledge of how machines learn from data.
• Programming languages: Python is essential, but Java and R are also useful for AI work.
• Data processing and analysis: Building your data skills is crucial for effective machine learning model development.
• Natural language processing (NLP): A key area for applications like chatbots and speech recognition.

Role Overview:

As an entry-level AI professional, you’ll focus on developing machine learning models, optimizing algorithms, and handling data processing tasks. A strong foundation in computer science, programming, and data science will be essential for landing these roles.

Expert Tip: Start building your portfolio with small machine learning projects using platforms like Kaggle. Showing hands-on experience will help you stand out in interviews.

Mid-Level AI Jobs

Job Titles:

• AI Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist
• Data Scientist

At this stage, you’ve gained some experience and are starting to work independently. Here's what mid-level roles look like.

As you grow in your career, your salary will also increase. Mid-level AI professionals typically earn between $100,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on their experience and the company they work for. Larger tech firms often offer salaries at the higher end of this range, plus additional bonuses and stock options.

Key Skills to Develop:

• Deep learning: Mastering frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Reinforcement learning: Specialized machine learning that helps build intelligent systems.
• Advanced machine learning algorithms: A deeper understanding of algorithmic techniques.
• Mathematics: Strong foundations in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics.
• Data analysis and statistics: Essential for fine-tuning models and understanding results.

Role Overview:

At the mid-level, you’ll work on more complex projects like optimizing large-scale machine learning models or designing advanced AI systems. You’ll also begin mentoring junior team members and handling more responsibility within your projects.

Expert Tip: Seek mentorship from senior professionals and try to take on projects that allow you to lead and influence outcomes. Leading a small team or initiative will help set you up for senior roles.

Senior AI Jobs

Job Titles:

• Senior AI Engineer
• Machine Learning Architect
• Research Scientist
• Lead Data Scientist

As a senior professional, your role shifts toward leadership and innovation. Here's what to expect.

Senior AI professionals can earn between $140,000 and $200,000 annually, with certain specialized roles offering even higher salaries. For instance, senior AI research scientists in fields like autonomous vehicles or healthcare can earn total compensation exceeding $350,000.

Key Skills for Senior Roles:

• AI research: Leading innovation in AI algorithms and systems.
• AI system architecture: Designing scalable AI systems.
• Data science leadership: Overseeing teams and guiding the development of AI strategies.
• Advanced reinforcement learning: A specialization that’s in high demand.

Role Overview:

Senior AI professionals are leaders within their companies. You’ll lead teams, make strategic decisions, and solve some of the most complex AI challenges. In these roles, strong leadership, project management, and deep technical expertise are critical to success.

Expert Tip: Start focusing on developing your leadership abilities. Volunteer to lead team projects or join internal task forces to practice project management. Attend leadership development programs to refine these skills further.

Executive-Level AI Roles

Job Titles:

• AI Research Director
• Head of AI Development
• Chief AI Officer

At the executive level, you’re responsible for shaping AI strategy and leading AI innovations across the company.

Executive roles in AI, such as AI Research Director or Chief AI Officer, can command salaries upwards of $200,000 to $400,000 annually. These roles also often come with equity packages, bonuses, and stock options, making them highly lucrative.

Key Skills for Executive Roles:

• Strategic leadership in AI: Setting long-term goals for AI development within the company.
• Advanced AI systems: Ensuring AI technology aligns with business objectives.
• AI project management: Leading cross-functional teams to deliver AI solutions.
• Industry-specific knowledge: Expertise in fields like AI for healthcare, finance, or autonomous vehicles.

Role Overview:

At the executive level, you’ll oversee large teams, set company-wide AI goals, and make high-level decisions on the future of AI in your organization. These roles require a blend of advanced technical expertise and strong leadership skills.

Expert Tip: Begin expanding your influence within your company by volunteering for cross-departmental projects or attending industry events. Building a robust professional network will help you transition into leadership roles.

AI Salaries by Experience Level

Here’s a detailed breakdown of AI salary expectations based on experience level. This data reflects industry standards and helps you understand what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career.

Expert tip: Position yourself for growth and use this tailored coaching package to help you select the ideal AI path, enhance your technical profile, and secure high-impact roles, one step at a time.

Factors Affecting AI Salaries

Your salary in AI is influenced by several key factors, which can vary depending on your location, industry, and company. Artificial intelligence salaries vary based on role, experience level, and geographic location, with six-figure salaries for many positions. Understanding these factors can help you better plan your career and salary expectations.

Skills and Education

The level of expertise in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing, and other AI technologies is a major factor in determining salary. Advanced degrees, like a master's degree or a PhD in computer science or data science, can also contribute to higher earning potential. However, hands-on experience with AI tools and real-world applications is equally valuable.

Industry and Company Size

The industry you work in can impact your salary. AI professionals in fields like healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and finance typically earn more due to the specialized nature of the work. Additionally, larger companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook tend to offer higher salaries compared to startups or smaller organizations. The size of the company often dictates the perks and benefits you’ll receive, such as stock options, bonuses, and additional financial incentives.

Location and Cost of Living

Where you live can greatly influence your salary. For instance, cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offer higher salaries due to the demand for AI talent and the high cost of living. Salaries are generally higher in major tech hubs, with San Francisco salaries often being 25-30% higher than the national average. Salaries in major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City often exceed $170,000 due to high demand and cost of living. However, cities with a lower cost of living, such as Houston or Columbus, may offer lower salaries but still provide competitive pay for AI roles.

Demand for AI Professionals

As AI technologies become more embedded in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, the demand for skilled professionals will continue to rise. This demand directly impacts salary levels. AI professionals with specialized skills, such as expertise in reinforcement learning or deep learning, are especially sought after, driving up their earning potential.

AI Salaries by Location: Where You Can Earn the Most

Location can significantly impact your salary. The demand for AI professionals, combined with local living costs, influences what you can expect to earn in various cities. Here's a comparison of salaries in five U.S. cities:

How to Prepare for a High-Paying AI Job

If you want to land a high-paying AI job, there’s no magic formula. Success in the field requires a solid mix of skills, experience, and strategic thinking. It's not just about the technical expertise; it’s about how you position yourself, how you learn from others, and how you approach challenges. Here’s how you can take action now to set yourself up for success:

1. Master Core AI Concepts and Build Specialization

Focus on mastering the foundational concepts in machine learning and deep learning. It's not just about understanding algorithms but applying them to real-world problems. Specialize in emerging areas like natural language processing (NLP) or reinforcement learning to make yourself indispensable. Dive into projects using TensorFlow, PyTorch, and other powerful tools that will allow you to develop deep technical expertise, positioning you as a top-tier candidate for roles that demand advanced skills and offer premium salaries.

Read: AI Upskilling: Why It's Necessary & How to Get Started

2. Build a Portfolio That Stands Out for AI Professional Roles

Your portfolio is your greatest asset when applying for high-paying AI professional positions. Employers want to see real-world applications of your machine learning knowledge, so showcase projects that involve deep learning, predictive models, or natural language processing. A strong portfolio filled with measurable outcomes will set you apart and position you for higher engineer salaries.

3. Understand the Average Salary Expectations for AI Engineers

Understanding average salary expectations at various career stages is crucial for setting goals. AI engineers can earn anywhere from $70k–$100k at the entry level, but machine learning engineers or data scientists with more experience can see salaries in the $150k–$200k range, especially in specialized areas like research scientist positions or roles involving deep learning. Knowing these numbers helps you plan your career trajectory and negotiate more effectively when opportunities arise.

4. Network and Collaborate with AI Professionals

Attend conferences, engage in forums, and connect with experts in areas like artificial intelligence and natural language processing. These relationships can lead to new opportunities, collaborative projects, and mentorship that help you stay ahead of industry trends. Networking is a powerful tool for gaining insider knowledge and finding the best roles in artificial intelligence.

5. Gain Hands-On Experience to Secure a Role

Practical experience is non-negotiable when aiming for a data scientist or AI engineer role. Seek internships, entry-level roles, or freelance projects where you can work directly with machine learning algorithms and large datasets. Real-world exposure to deep learning and other AI applications will increase your marketability and make you a strong contender for high-paying positions.

The Bottom Line

AI salaries are competitive and continue to rise as demand for AI professionals grows. Whether you're just starting or are already an experienced engineer, the potential to earn a high salary in AI is there. By focusing on gaining specialized skills, building practical experience, and staying current with industry developments, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and lucrative field. The global market size for artificial intelligence is projected to reach nearly $2 trillion by 2030.

Ready to start your AI career?

Leland’s AI career coaches can guide you through salary expectations, career paths, and skill development to help you land your dream job. Schedule a coaching session today to take the next step in your AI career. Plus, check out our free events to accelerate your growth!

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FAQs

How much money can you make in Artificial Intelligence?

• Salaries in AI vary widely, but professionals can make anywhere from $70,000 at entry-level to over $300,000 for senior roles, especially in specialized fields.

Is AI a high-paying job?

• Yes, AI is a high-paying field, with salaries often exceeding six figures, especially for experienced professionals in roles like machine learning engineers and AI researchers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

• AI engineers, particularly those in senior roles or specialized fields like machine learning and deep learning, can earn up to $300,000 annually, often with bonuses and stock options.

What is the $900,000 AI job?

• The $900,000 AI job typically refers to top executive roles, like Chief AI Officer or AI Research Director, often in highly specialized sectors like healthcare or autonomous vehicles, including bonuses and equity.