Entry-Level AI Engineer Salary Calculator

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What entry-level AI engineers earn in 2025

Starting salaries reach six figures in tech hubs

Entry-level AI engineers in the U.S. pull in anywhere from $70,000 to $130,000 a year, with most landing between $95,000 and $120,000. Throw in performance bonuses, stock options, and benefits, and total comp frequently hits $130,000 to $160,000. These numbers reflect serious demand for AI talent—there are over 500,000 open positions worldwide, and job postings jumped 41.8% year-over-year. Major tech companies like Apple start junior roles at $125,000 base plus $35,000 in bonuses.

Location shapes your earning potential

Where you work makes a huge difference in AI engineer pay. San Francisco leads the pack at $115,000 to $135,000, while Seattle offers $110,000 to $130,000 with no state income tax. Washington state pays the highest average at $117,701, followed by New York at $110,242 and California at $107,969. Even mid-sized cities like Austin deliver competitive pay at $95,000 to $115,000 with way lower living costs. Remote positions are everywhere now, letting engineers grab top salaries without moving.

Skills that increase your paycheck

Your technical toolkit directly impacts what you make. Python shows up in 71% of AI engineering job postings—it's basically required. Cloud platform knowledge commands premium pay, with AWS appearing in 32.9% of jobs and Azure in 26%. Specialized skills like generative AI, natural language processing, and computer vision can bump your base salary up 25% to 45%. Engineers with MLOps experience and deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch consistently earn above average.

How to start as an AI engineer

Most AI engineers kick things off with a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or something related like math or statistics. The path isn't set in stone though. Plenty of companies skip the four-year degree requirement for AI roles when candidates show strong practical skills through portfolios and certifications.

Build hands-on projects that solve actual problems. Create 3 to 5 portfolio pieces showing end-to-end AI implementation, from data processing to model deployment. Get really good at Python, then add cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Study machine learning fundamentals including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and common algorithms.

Think about earning industry-recognized certifications like Google Professional ML Engineer or AWS Machine Learning Specialty. These credentials prove your skills and help you stand out to recruiters. Many successful AI engineers go through intensive bootcamps or online courses from platforms like Coursera or TripleTen, which offer practical, project-based learning in 3 to 6 months.

Start applying once you've got working projects to show. Customize your resume for each role, highlight measurable results from your projects, and prep for technical interviews covering ML concepts, coding challenges, and system design questions.

Why salary data matters

Know your worth

Accurate salary information helps you negotiate confidently and skip offers below market rate. 78% of AI hiring happens at $100,000 or above.

Plan your career

See how comp grows from entry-level to senior positions. AI engineers usually see 18% salary increases within their first three years.

Choose the right market

Compare pay across different states and cities to find locations where your salary stretches furthest. California holds 33% of all AI job postings nationwide.

Get salary insights in three steps

1Set your preferencesChoose your target location and the industry you're interested in exploring.

2Review the numbersSee entry-level median salaries, percentile ranges, and total compensation breakdowns instantly.

3Compare your optionsCheck how pay changes across different cities, states, and experience levels.

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This calculator stands out because it combines official Bureau of Labor Statistics data with real-time industry filtering and location comparisons. Unlike generic salary sites, you get verified numbers reflecting actual market conditions, helping you make informed career decisions backed by government sources.

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Get instant access to verified salary data for entry-level AI engineers. Compare compensation across locations and industries to plan your career with confidence.

Check your salary range

What is the AI developer starting salary in the United States?

The typical AI developer starting salary runs from $95,000 to $120,000 annually. This varies significantly by location and employer type, though. In tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle, entry-level developers can earn $115,000 to $135,000, while positions in mid-sized cities typically offer $85,000 to $105,000. Total comp, including bonuses and stock options, often reaches $130,000 to $160,000.

How much do AI engineers make with no experience?

AI engineers with no experience typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 starting in hybrid roles with lighter machine learning involvement. Pure AI engineering roles for complete beginners generally start at $95,000 to $103,000. Location matters a lot—entry-level positions in major tech companies or coastal cities pay way more than roles in smaller markets or non-tech industries.

Can I become an AI engineer with no degree?

Yes, you can become an AI engineer without a traditional four-year degree. Many companies prioritize practical skills and portfolio projects over formal education. Build strong projects demonstrating your abilities, earn professional certifications from Google, AWS, or Microsoft, and consider intensive bootcamps like TripleTen that teach job-ready skills in 6 to 9 months. About 76% of tech support roles don't require degrees, showing how flexible the industry is.

What's the average entry-level AI Engineer salary by state?

Washington leads at $117,701, followed by New York at $110,242 and California at $107,969. Massachusetts and Vermont both average around $99,000. Texas offers strong comp at $95,000 to $115,000 with lower living costs. Southern and Midwestern states typically range from $75,000 to $90,000. Use our calculator to see specific numbers for your target state.

How does AI/ML engineer pay compare to software engineering?

AI and ML engineers typically earn 10% to 20% more than general software engineers because of specialized skills. Entry-level software engineers earn $85,000 to $105,000 on average, while entry-level AI engineers make $100,000 to $120,000. This premium reflects the mathematical foundations, machine learning algorithms, and data science expertise required beyond standard programming skills.

What skills increase AI engineer base salary the most?

Specialized skills can boost your base comp by 25% to 45%. Generative AI experience is in high demand with a limited supply. Cloud platform expertise, particularly AWS and Azure, shows up in over half of job postings. MLOps knowledge for model deployment and lifecycle management commands premium pay. Natural language processing skills are requested in 19.7% of postings, while deep learning expertise appears in 28.1%.

What's the difference between junior and senior AI engineer salaries?

Junior AI engineers with 0 to 2 years of experience earn $100,000 to $120,000 on average. Mid-level engineers with 1 to 3 years make $121,513 to $140,000, representing an 18% increase. Senior AI engineers with 4 to 6 years of experience earn $138,185 to $190,000. Lead or principal engineers with 7+ years can make $155,000 to $250,000 or more. Senior roles also get larger bonuses, more equity, and better benefits packages.