Engineers who specialize in artificial intelligence can program robots to think like the human brain. The use of machine learning (ML) algorithms, models, and tools to power our goods, services, and international systems is being rethought by AI developers. Because this line of work necessitates a great deal of highly sought-after technological skills, they can easily earn a six-figure compensation. Let us find out what is the average AI engineer’s salary in the US.
What Does an Artificial Intelligence(AI) Engineer Do?
AI engineering encompasses a wide range of jobs, including those for machine learning (ML) engineers, data scientists, data analysts, computer vision engineers, business intelligence developers, and algorithm engineers. While the job profiles for each of these professions vary, most AI engineers tend to work on constructing and developing AI models. The AI engineer is in charge of everything, including model upkeep and performance monitoring.
The majority of AI engineers have a background in computer science and possess good programming abilities, which are essential for the job. It would be ideal to be proficient in Python and Object-Oriented Programming. However, programming acumen is perhaps more crucial for an AI engineer than programming languages. Since working independently of humans is the main idea of an AI system, AI algorithms are substantially different from conventional codes. The AI engineer must thus be able to create algorithms that are flexible and able to grow.
What is an average AI engineer’s salary in USA?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, AI engineers may make a median yearly salary of $131,490 as Computer and Information Research Scientists. The US’s average base salary for an AI engineer is $105,013 annually.Â
These salaries are much higher than the mean annual salary for all occupations in the United States, which is $58,260, although the salary range for AI engineers varies.
Employment prospects for AI engineers
Between 2021 and 2031, job growth for AI engineers is predicted to be 21%, which is much higher than the average for all occupations (5%). Typically, AI engineers assist businesses in enhancing their operations, services, software, and products. They frequently work in the consulting, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors.
According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report, hiring growth for artificial intelligence specialists, including engineers, has increased by 74 percent yearly for the previous four years.
Factors that can impact the earning potential of an AI engineer
Several factors can influence how much you earn as an AI engineer. Some of these are experience, industry, and location.
The average salary for AI engineers in the USA based on experience
Your amount of experience is one of the major factors that might affect your pay. It makes sense; the more knowledge you have, the more experience you have and the more you can anticipate making as an AI developer.
Experience might have the following effects on your salary as an AI engineer:
- 2 to 4 years (AI Engineer or Senior AI Engineer): $137,368
- 5 to 7 years (Lead AI Engineer): $139,246
- 8+ years (Principal Machine Learning Engineer): $148,879
- 8+ years (Director of Machine Learning): $153,183
- 8+ years (Vice President of Machine Learning): $172,715
Your pay may increase by tens of thousands of dollars if you take on a leadership position in ML or AI, such as director or vice president. You might decide to concentrate on your area of expertise rather than leading a team in which case you could move employers or negotiate a better salary by demonstrating your worth.
Salary for AI engineers in the USA based on industryÂ
Although not every business needs AI engineers, those that do, including IT, finance, healthcare, and retail, may pay AI engineers in a variety of ways. Salary ranges often mirror the corresponding industry. For instance, all organizations in the technology and financial sectors typically pay highly, thus AI experts employed by these sectors will probably earn more than the national average.
Salaries of AI engineers in USA Cities
How much money you make as an AI developer also depends on where you reside. Working for businesses with headquarters in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Boston, and Chicago is typically associated with higher pay. The increased expense of living in certain places contributes to this in part.
Employers may decide to give location-based salaries as long as they continue to employ a geographically distributed workforce that includes remote employees. Location-based salaries may be viewed as unjust because these payments must also take into consideration merit and degree of expertise.
Entry-Level AI Engineer Salary
Freshmen who have not yet acquired sufficient knowledge and experience in the field belong in this group. Their main goal is to comprehend and acquire the key ideas. Due to the increased need for artificial intelligence, top firms are constantly searching for talented interns.
The average AI entry-level engineer’s salary in the US is the lowest of all, reflecting the fact that this position still has a lot of space for growth. For freshers, the average artificial intelligence salary in the US is $115,000.
The average salary for a mid-level AI engineer
In this area, mid-level artificial intelligence engineers are knowledgeable and frequently stay with the same employer for years. Their pay scale is significantly higher than that of entry-level employees since they are better suited than entry-level engineers. The Average AI engineer salary in USA for mid-level engineers is $146,664. These social groups consist of steady yet developing individuals.Â
Senior-level salaries for AI engineers
The highest-paid engineers in artificial intelligence are at the senior level. With more advanced knowledge and experience, they are independent and cooperative. They have 4–7 years of expertise in this industry and are senior-level engineers. The average AI engineer salary in USA for experienced engineers is about $205,000. Â
Top Companies that Pay the Most for AI Engineers
Here are the top USA companies that pay artificial intelligence salaries that are unusually high.
Engineers with expertise in artificial intelligence are in high demand at Google, one of the top multinational technology companies. The yearly salary for AI engineers at Google in the US is $236,388.
Twitter (Meta)
One of the top social media sites for hiring skilled people in artificial intelligence and machine learning is Facebook. Facebook (Meta) is paying about $257,846 annually for AI employment.
AppleÂ
The largest technology company in the world is Apple. This company focuses on computer software and internet services. They hire people for positions like machine learning engineer, team leader for artificial intelligence, and many others. Here, AI engineers can expect to make an average salary of $227,094 a year.
How to Boost Your Salary?
There are a few key things you can do to help boost your AI salary. By taking these steps, you can position yourself for success and earn a higher salary in the AI field.
Enhance and grow soft skills
Work on enhancing soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and a positive approach to working under pressure. You ought to be able to work together. For all the many artificial intelligence roles, this is crucial.
Acquire a certification Â
Certifications have a significant impact on your skill set, and including them in your application may boost it even more. In order to create a successful career in AI for yourself, make sure you have sufficient experience and enroll in certification programs.
Master’s degreeÂ
A master’s degree is one of the finest strategies to increase AI pay. You will learn more about the theories and themes relating to artificial intelligence thanks to this degree.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence can provide its service endlessly. It can help in risky situations by creating AI robots that can perform tasks on behalf of humans. Artificial intelligence can reach any place that human beings cannot reach. By 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, which is more than China and India’s combined output today, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global Artificial Intelligence Study. Organizations are turning to AI to help power their business decisions, increase efficiency, and ultimately, become more profitable.
FAQs
What makes artificial intelligence a worthwhile field to work in?
This area of work is thought to be the most in demand. Despite the constant effort and learning required, this is one of the most exciting and dynamic fields to work in. You can tackle everything with AI, from innovative technology to steady innovation!
How much does a respectable pay in AI positions offer?
Artificial Intelligence is a very new and unorthodox discipline that is quickly gaining popularity. AI is one of the highest-paid jobs as a result of the likelihood that the need for qualified workers will be met by higher compensation.
What kind of education is required to work as an AI engineer?
A bachelor’s degree in computer science is necessary in terms of education. Understanding AI topics may be greatly aided by having a foundational understanding of computers and mathematics. As a result, individuals with post-graduate and graduation degrees are given preference, and AI certificates are also accepted.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
