AI Engineer vs Data Scientist salary
In New Zealand, a ai engineer and a data scientist earn about the same — $123,213 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | AI Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $73,294 | $76,634 |
| 25th | $98,283 | $99,952 |
| Median | $123,213 | $123,213 |
| 75th | $153,728 | $151,656 |
| Senior (90th) | $184,186 | $180,156 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a ai engineer or data scientist earn more in New Zealand?
- A ai engineer and a data scientist earn roughly the same in New Zealand, around $214,000 per year.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A ai engineer typically earns $127,300–$319,900, while a data scientist earns $133,100–$312,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a ai engineer averages about $17,800 and a data scientist about $17,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a ai engineer earns about $127,300 while a data scientist earns about $133,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a ai engineer earns about $319,900 while a data scientist earns about $312,900 per year.
- Are ai engineer and data scientist 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.