Data Scientist vs AI Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a AI Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs AI Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | AI Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $173,327 | Data +$3,450 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $135,980 | Data +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $173,703 | Data $517 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $137,883 | Data $7,150 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $129,960 | Data +$2,455 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $159,072 | Data $2,957 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £78,216 | Data +$0 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$134,265 | Data +$0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or AI Engineer earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $120,230/year for a AI Engineer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or AI Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while AI Engineer demand is growing at 55% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to AI 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 — Data Scientist or AI Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.