AI Developer Salary in the US (2026): Pay, Trends, and Skills

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (or AI) is everywhere. This fast-growing innovation has infiltrated many aspects of our lives, both personally and professionally, bringing with it its share of innovations and controversies. But controversial or not, AI is here to stay, which opens up many intriguing career opportunities for motivated professionals. One such vocation is that of an AI developer.

The average AI developer salary in the US ranges from $92K to $253K. However, these are only median figures, and there are many factors that will affect the actual compensation. This article explores AI developer salaries in the US and the variables that affect them, so you can get a better idea of what to expect in 2026.

• Big cities tend to pay more compensation, as urban areas often have higher living costs, and companies need to offer a more generous wage package to compensate for this. You will typically find the highest-paying AI developer jobs on the East and West Coasts.
• The more experience an AI developer has, the greater the opportunities for generous compensation and additional perks. Employers are paying AI developers not only for the skills they possess, but also for the experience they bring to the role.
• As AI continues to integrate into more areas of our lives, it will bring with it increased career opportunities for AI developers and better chances to earn extremely generous compensation.

What is an AI Developer?

Put simply, an AI developer is a professional who works with AI modeling, neural networks, machine learning algorithms, and other related technologies to construct artificial intelligence applications and systems. They are software engineers who create, train, and implement these AI resources to solve real-world issues.

AI developers are typically proficient in core skills, including the Python programming language, deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX), vector databases, LLM orchestration, MLOps (machine learning operations), and cloud computing.

There is considerable overlap and confusion regarding what distinguishes an AI developer from other IT-related positions. Here’s a quick rundown of related vocations. You will notice how some of these roles are interchangeable.

• AI Engineer: Artificial intelligence engineers focus on the broader, more complex aspects of AI system construction and deployment, designing scalable infrastructures, overseeing cloud environments, and facilitating the seamless integration into enterprise systems.
• ML Engineer: These engineers develop and deploy scalable, robust ML models for use in real-world applications, blending software engineering and data science expertise.
• AI Software Engineer: AI software engineers are specialists who design, develop, and deploy ML and AI-dependent software and systems.
• GenAI Engineer: GenAI engineers design, develop, and deploy generative AI algorithms and models that create new content (e.g., text, images, audio).
• Applied Scientist: Data-driven applied scientists utilize their scientific knowledge and research skills to address real-world issues and problems, often by developing practical applications such as new technologies, more efficient processes, and enhanced products.

Additionally, data scientists and AI developers share a strong affinity, despite being two distinct roles. A data scientist analyzes data and creates models that extract insights. Although they often work with algorithms, the data scientist's primary goal is to use statistics and modeling to extract vital information from data, which the AI developer can then utilize when building an AI application.

US AI Developer Salary Overview

Here is how top job search sites are reporting current AI developer salaries in the US, including average base pay and salary ranges.

Average Base Pay and Total Compensation

When you factor in total compensation, the picture changes. For example, Glassdoor reports that AI developers can earn an additional $34K - $64 in additional pay. Payscale, meanwhile, gives a more detailed breakdown:

• Base Pay: $88K - $122K
• Bonuses: $3K - $31K
• Profit-sharing: $14K - $30K
• Total Pay: $66K - $245K

How an AI Developer Salary Compares to General Software Engineering Compensation

Generally, specialists are paid more than generalists. For example, Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a general software engineer is approximately $148,000, with a total pay range of $118,000 to $188,000. Compare this with the site’s figures of $156,000 for AI developers, with a range from $130,000 to $192,000.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual median range for software developers in 2024 was $133,080. Overall growth in the field is expected to grow 15% between 2024 and 2034, a noticeably higher rate than the average for all US occupations.

Salary Bands by Percentile

In the context of salaries, the percentile shows the percentage of workers who earn at or below a particular market’s given salary figure for a specific role. For instance, a job’s 65th percentile means that 65% of employees in that job earn that salary or less, and the other 35% earn more. Percentiles help organizations navigate compensation structures and market competitiveness that extend beyond the average salary, making them useful for benchmarking and setting salary ranges.

Let’s look at how ZipRecruiter reports AI developer salary bands by percentile.

AI Developer Salary by Experience in the US

Here’s how Glassdoor breaks down AI developer salaries by experience.

Artificial Intelligence Developer Salary: Contractor vs. Full-time

Regardless of industry, contractors (e.g., freelancers) earn more pay than their full-time counterparts. This is typically because companies don’t offer contractors benefits, nor do they withhold taxes on their behalf. Everything is on the contractor’s shoulders, so they get compensated accordingly. ZipRecruiter, for example, reports that the hourly rate for AI developers is between $30 and $99 per hour.

Did You Know?

The global AI market is expanding and is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.5%. (Source: Stack Overflow Survey)

US AI Developer Salary by Location

Not every city in the United States pays the same. Several factors should be considered, including the job market, local economy, demand, and cost of living.

AI Developer Salaries by US Cities and Metros

Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying US cities for AI developers, as shown by Indeed. The US average is $153,061.

AI Developer Salary: State Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the twelve top-paying states for AI developers, as shown by Talent.com.

AI Developer Salary by Industry in the US

Different industries view AI development in various ways, including the extent of its use, priority, and other factors. The top-paying industry is Information Technology with a total median pay of $137,163.

Top-paying companies include:

• Meta: $271K - $433K/year
• Apple: $222K - $342K/year
• Google: $190K - $272K/year
• Microsoft: $146K - $198K/year
• Adobe: $141 - $196K/year

Top Skills That Boost AI Developer Salaries

It isn’t enough to just be a skilled AI developer. A good AI developer must be proficient in a particular set of skills. The following are the skills that increase AI developer salaries and  are great signal boosters that prospective employers typically screen for:

• Artificial intelligence
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Python
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Software development
• Computer vision
• Cloud platforms
• Software development
• Deep learning
• Speech recognition
• CUDA® (NVIDIA created this parallel computing platform and programming model)

How Experience and Education Affect an AI Developer Salary

Both experience and education impact the salaries of AI developers. The more years of experience and advanced degrees the professional has, the higher the pay. For example, a master's degree can provide credentials that enhance potential salary opportunities, while hands-on, practical experience demonstrates that the developer has refined skills in vital areas, such as machine learning frameworks or project leadership. A senior-level developer with extensive experience can earn considerably more, especially in major tech hubs like those listed above, where high demand drives up compensation. 

Experience

• Career Progress: Salaries increase in tandem with advancing levels of experience. A  mid-level or senior role commands substantially higher pay than an entry-level position. 
• Skill Development: The more experience you gain, the sharper your skills become. In the course of your AI developer career, you can acquire a deeper understanding of highly valued skills like data handling, AI algorithms, and problem-solving skills. 
• Proven Impact: AI developers who demonstrate their ability to lead projects and deliver measurable business impacts successfully tend to enjoy increased compensation and career advancement.

Education

• Advanced Degrees: Developers with a master's degree in a field such as data science, computer science, or a related discipline typically enjoy higher salaries than developers with just a bachelor's degree.
• Specialized Knowledge: Education provides developers with a solid foundation in the complex concepts and tools required for AI development.
• Certification: Certification courses offer valuable credentials that validate and verify expertise and can be leveraged to negotiate higher salaries.

Tips to Maximize AI Developer Salary Growth

All of this information is useful to have, but how can it be leveraged into a higher compensation package? Here’s a list of tips that can help you get that higher salary. Many of them overlap because, at the end of the day, they are all components that, together, create a complete picture of a valuable AI asset, namely, you.

• Upskill in high-demand areas: A good AI developer is always learning, but it’s essential to improve skills that employers are actually looking for.
• Create a strong portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcases your work to both current managers and prospective future employers. The portfolio should be like your professional scrapbook, showcasing your work, projects you've participated in, and your successes.
• Certifications and continuous learning: As we mentioned earlier, a good developer never stops learning. This includes taking advantage of online certification courses and bootcamps, and keeping current with new skill trends.
• Target the right companies and industries: Ensure that your efforts are going to the most likely industries and organizations. Focus on entities where the demand for AI developers is strong and consistent.
• Gain experience and move up levels: Managers and employers prefer to see consistency, with professionals advancing up the ladder as they gain more hands-on experience. “Learning by doing” is an excellent teacher.
• Network and create a personal brand: Establish connections within the industry, attend workshops and seminars, and cultivate your personal brand. Consider yourself a product, a valuable commodity, and now you must market yourself to prospective employers or justify a salary increase to your current manager.

Equip Yourself for the AI Challenge

If you are interested in taking those first crucial steps in increasing your marketability in the AI field, consider this 20-week Full Stack Development Program With Generative AI.

This program is perfect for AI professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to build and optimize modern web applications. You can acquire hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, including front-end and back-end development, API security, AI-powered coding, database management, deployment strategies, software testing, and more.

Leverage the over 100 hours of core curriculum, capstone projects, and online masterclasses into a valuable certification experience that can help you stand out as an AI-powered developer professional.

FAQs

1. What is the average AI developer salary in the US?

The average AI developer salary in the US in 2025 ranges from $92K to $253K. This range varies widely when factors such as location, experience level, or skill set are considered. Gaining more skills and experience will give you a better shot at a high AI developer salary in 2026.

2. Which US cities pay AI developers the most?

These are the current top-paying US cities for AI developers.

• Columbia, MD
• San Francisco
• New York, NY
• SF Bay Area, CA
• McLean, VA
• Raleigh, NC
• Washington, DC
• Boston, MA
• Charlotte, NC
• Dallas, TX
• Rancho Murieta, CA

3. What skills increase AI developer pay fastest?

Skills that are most likely to increase an AI developer’s salary fastest include:

• Artificial intelligence
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Python
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Software development
• Computer vision
• Software development
• Deep learning

4. Does a master’s or PhD significantly change pay?

While a higher education degree isn’t an iron-clad guarantee of better pay, it’s highly likely. According to Indeed, a master’s degree can increase pay by as much as 16%.

5. What’s the typical total compensation (TC) at top companies in the US?

Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying companies for AI developers:

• Meta: $271K - $433K
• Apple: $222K - $342K
• Google: $190K - $272K
• Microsoft: $146K - $198K
• Adobe: $141 - $196K

6. Which industries pay the most for AI talent?

The top-paying industries for general AI talent are:

• IT
• Financial services
• Manufacturing and automotive
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

7. How do remote roles affect pay?

If you work remotely, you will have to consider the difference between location-based pay and job-based pay. Location-based pay is a salary determined by the job market rate for the location where the employee resides. For instance, you could get a job at a San Francisco Bay Area business while living in New Hampshire, and you would get paid based on what New Hampshire pays for that position. A job-based salary is based on the role that the employee fills and the experience, credentials, and expertise they bring.

Whether remote workers receive lower compensation than in-house employees depends on the company, job role, employee experience level, and other factors.

8. What’s the best way to increase my AI developer salary in 2026?

If you’re aiming to have a better compensation package as an AI developer, consider the following steps:

• Upskill in high-demand areas
• Create a strong portfolio
• Certifications and continuous learning
• Target the right companies and industries
• Gain experience and move up levels
• Network and create a personal brand

9. What’s a good negotiation checklist for AI offers?

Here’s a checklist that is useful for AI developer interview prep to increase your salary.

• Research salary rates
• Determine your minimum salary and benefits requirements
• Collect your performance reviews, certifications, and examples of your impact
• Don’t mention a specific salary figure; let them make the first offer
• Clearly spell out your unique skills and accomplishments, and show how they align with the company's needs, thereby showing your long-term value 
• Look beyond the base salary, negotiating benefits like equity, signing bonuses, PTO, and continuing development opportunities
• A competing offer could significantly strengthen your position
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude, and remember that you deserve fair compensation
• After the negotiation, send a “thank-you” email confirming the negotiated terms and expressing your gratitude for their offer
• If the offer doesn't meet your minimum needs, be ready to decline gracefully

10. Are prompt engineering roles well-paid?

According to ZipRecruiter, prompt engineering professionals earn an average of $146K, so yes, they are well-paid.