AI Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In Japan, a ai engineer earns about 7% more than a software engineer — $68,693 vs $64,369 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is JPY). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
AI Engineer$68,693/yr
- Monthly
- $5,725
- Hourly
- $33
- Range
- $40,872–$102,696
- 10-yr outlook
- +40%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | AI Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $40,872 | $41,196 |
| 25th | $54,783 | $52,782 |
| Median | $68,693 | $64,369 |
| 75th | $85,695 | $78,530 |
| Senior (90th) | $102,696 | $92,691 |
National Japan figures in JPY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a ai engineer or software engineer earn more in Japan?
- A ai engineer earns more, at about ￥11,120,000 per year vs ￥10,420,000 for a software engineer — roughly 7% (￥700,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Japan?
- A ai engineer typically earns ￥6,616,400–￥16,624,400, while a software engineer earns ￥6,668,800–￥15,004,800 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Japan?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a ai engineer averages about ￥926,700 and a software engineer about ￥868,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Japan, a ai engineer earns about ￥6,616,400 while a software engineer earns about ￥6,668,800 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Japan, a ai engineer earns about ￥16,624,400 while a software engineer earns about ￥15,004,800 per year.
- Are ai engineer and software engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.