AI & Data Compensation Guide

Average AI & Machine Learning Systems Engineer Salary in United States

AI engineers design and deploy generative LLM pipelines, fine-tuned transformer models, RAG vector retrieval architectures, and real-time inference systems. Highest compensation growth category in global tech.

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Compare AI & Machine Learning Systems Engineer Compensation Across Markets

Side-by-side benchmark curves between United States and international hiring hubs.

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Current Market

United States

USD
Median Base Salary$185,000
25th Percentile$140,000
90th Percentile$260,000
Avg. Bonus: $25,000 / yr +31% YoY
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Compared Market

India

INR
Median Base Salary₹28.0 LPA
25th Percentile₹16.0 LPA
90th Percentile₹55.0 LPA
Avg. Bonus: ₹5,000,000 / yr +36% YoY
Want in-depth experience progression and top employers for India?Open Full India Salary Guide
AI Calibrating Verified Market Data (United States)...

Annual Base Salary Distribution

Based on 2,350 reported salaries across tech companies hiring in United States.

Median Annual Package
$185,000
+31% YoY
You: $185,000P50
P5 MinP25 EntryP50 MedianP90 StaffP99 Max
25th Percentile (P25)
$140,000
Entry / Baseline level in United States
50th Percentile (Median)
Market Average
$185,000
Typical market compensation in United States
90th Percentile (P90)
$260,000
Staff / Top 10% tier in United States

Interactive Compensation Benchmark Slider

Competitive Market Band

Drag the precision slider or select a milestone below to evaluate your market standing.

Selected: $185,000
Min: $84,000
Max: $351,000
At $185,000, you earn higher than 50% of AI & Machine Learning Systems Engineers in United States.
Verified against 2,350 reported salaries live offers & reported packages.
Average Base Salary
$185,000

Guaranteed annual base

Annual Performance Bonus
$25,000 / yr

Average annual cash incentive

Year-over-Year Trend
+31% YoY

Talent demand trajectory

Experience Ladder & Progression Timeline

How earnings accelerate as you advance seniority levels in United States.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$120,000

Model fine-tuning, Python data pipelining, and vector embeddings.

Mid-Senior (3-5 yrs)
$185,000

RAG retrieval pipelines, vLLM / TensorRT optimization, and agentic workflows.

Top 10%
Lead / Principal (6+ yrs)
$260,000+

Foundation model pre-training, distributed GPU clustering, and enterprise AI safety governance.

Verified Market Reports

Top Paying Companies for AI & Machine Learning Systems Engineer in United States

Showing verified employer compensation benchmarks localized to United States (USD).

Employers #1 – #5of 15 verified hiring leaders
1 / 3
#1
Stripe

Stripe

Reported Range: $269,984 - $355,888
$306,800
Avg. Base Pay (USD)
#2
Google Global

Google Global

Reported Range: $260,832 - $343,824
$296,400
Avg. Base Pay (USD)
#3
Microsoft

Microsoft

Reported Range: $251,680 - $331,760
$286,000
Avg. Base Pay (USD)
#4
Meta Platforms

Meta Platforms

Reported Range: $247,104 - $325,728
$280,800
Avg. Base Pay (USD)
#5
Apple

Apple

Reported Range: $240,240 - $316,680
$273,000
Avg. Base Pay (USD)
Salary data crowdsourced and verified via Jobsleworld AI verification.
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