AI Engineer Salary in 2026
Source: BLS OES May 2024 · Updated April 2026
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024), the median annual salary for a AI Engineer is $112,590 per year. The BLS projects 33.5% employment growth for this occupation over the 2024–2034 decade.
How Much Do AI Engineers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,590 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 33.5% |
| Total Employment | 233,440 |
| Typical Education | Bachelor's degree |
| SOC Code | 15-2051 |
Which Skills Increase AI Engineer Pay?
AI Engineers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Amazon Web Services AWS softwareApache HadoopApache SparkCC++DockerGitMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Power BI
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a AI Engineer?
- The median annual salary for a AI Engineer is $112,590 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is AI Engineer a growing career?
- Employment for AI Engineer roles is projected to grow 33.5% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 233,440 workers nationally.
- What skills increase AI Engineer pay?
- AI Engineers who demonstrate skills like Amazon Web Services AWS software, Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, C typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.