AI Engineer vs Data Scientist salary
In United States, a ai engineer earns about 47% more than a data scientist — $194,000 vs $132,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
AI Engineer$194,000/yr
- Monthly
- $16,200
- Hourly
- $93
- Range
- $115,400–$290,000
- 10-yr outlook
- +40%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | AI Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $115,400 | $82,100 |
| 25th | $154,700 | $107,100 |
| Median | $194,000 | $132,000 |
| 75th | $242,000 | $162,500 |
| Senior (90th) | $290,000 | $193,000 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a ai engineer or data scientist earn more in United States?
- A ai engineer earns more, at about $194,000 per year vs $132,000 for a data scientist — roughly 47% ($62,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A ai engineer typically earns $115,400–$290,000, while a data scientist earns $82,100–$193,000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a ai engineer averages about $16,200 and a data scientist about $11,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a ai engineer earns about $115,400 while a data scientist earns about $82,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a ai engineer earns about $290,000 while a data scientist earns about $193,000 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.