As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continue to revolutionize industries, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is surging across the United States. With this growing demand comes a significant increase in compensation, making AI and ML some of the most lucrative career paths in tech. Whether you're an aspiring AI specialist or an employer aiming to attract top talent, understanding the current salary landscape is crucial.

This guide provides a detailed overview of salary trends, highlighting variations by job title, experience level, and geographic location.

AI Engineer Salaries in 2025

AI Engineers are pivotal in developing intelligent systems and algorithms. Their compensation reflects the specialized skills and experience they bring to the table.​

Average Compensation

• Base Salary: Approximately $175,262 per year.
• Additional Cash Compensation: Around $35,333, bringing the total compensation to about $210,595.

Salary by Experience Level

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): $100,000 – $140,000
• Mid-Level (3–5 years): $140,000 – $190,000
• Senior-Level (5+ years): $190,000 – $250,000 +

Top-Paying Cities

• San Francisco, CA: $245,000+
• New York City, NY: $226,857+
• Seattle, WA: $180,000+

Machine Learning Engineer Salaries in 2025

Machine Learning Engineers focus on designing and implementing algorithms that enable machines to learn from data. Their expertise is highly sought after, leading to competitive salaries.​

Average Compensation

• Base Salary: Approximately $157,969 per year.
• Additional Cash Compensation: Around $44,362, totalling about $202,331. ​

Salary by Experience Level

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): $105,000 – $150,000
• Mid-Level (3–5 years): $150,000 – $200,000
• Senior-Level (5+ years): $200,000 – $350,000+ ​

Top-Paying Cities

• Austin, TX: $207,775
• Los Angeles, CA: $197,450
• San Francisco, CA: $193,919 ​

*Note: Salary figures are based on data from various industry reports and may vary depending on specific roles, companies, and individual qualifications.

Factors Influencing Salaries

Several elements can impact compensation in AI and ML roles:

• Experience Level: More experienced professionals command higher salaries.
• Specialization: Expertise in areas like Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Computer Vision can lead to premium pay.
• Industry: Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles often offer higher salaries due to the complexity and impact of AI applications.
• Education: Advanced degrees, especially Ph.Ds., can enhance earning potential.
• Location: Geographic regions with a high concentration of tech companies tend to offer higher salaries.
  
  

Conclusion

The AI and Machine Learning fields in the U.S. are experiencing robust growth in 2025, with salaries reflecting the high demand for specialized talent. From entry-level engineers to experienced research scientists, compensation packages remain competitive, especially in top tech cities and innovation-driven industries.

For job seekers, this is an exciting time to build or transition into an AI or ML career—especially with the right skills and credentials. For employers, staying informed about evolving salary benchmarks is essential to attract and retain top talent in a competitive hiring landscape.

Looking to hire AI and ML professionals or explore opportunities in this space?
Get in touch with Mason Alexander today. We specialize in connecting top-tier tech talent with innovative companies across the U.S.

AI and ML Salaries

For further information on AI, Machine Learning and Data Scientist salaries please check out our salary guide or reach out to our tech hiring team today.