AI Engineer vs Data Analyst: 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.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
AI Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $31,290/year (35%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $129,659 | AI +$43,668 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $108,724 | AI +$27,256 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $102,930 | AI +$70,773 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $101,065 | AI +$36,818 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $92,625 | AI +$37,335 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $113,607 | AI +$45,465 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £71,596 | AI +$6,620 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$116,846 | AI +$17,419 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A AI Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $31,290 (35%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or Data Analyst?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to Data Analyst?+
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 Data Analyst?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.