AI Engineer vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
AI Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $145/year (0%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Engineer vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $171,525 | AI +$1,802 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $147,203 | AI $11,223 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $173,765 | AI $62 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $131,230 | AI +$6,653 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $125,515 | AI +$4,445 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $158,382 | AI +$690 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £93,991 | AI $15,775 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$163,067 | AI $28,802 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A AI Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $145 (0%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — AI Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.