Software Engineer vs AI Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $15,750/year (13%) higher than a AI Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs AI Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | AI Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $173,327 | Software +$21,623 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $135,980 | Software +$30,850 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $173,703 | Software +$15,765 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $137,883 | Software +$10,951 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $129,960 | Software +$20,006 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $159,072 | Software +$17,470 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £78,216 | Software $4,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$134,265 | Software $8,113 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or AI Engineer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $120,230/year for a AI Engineer — a difference of $15,750 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or AI Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while AI Engineer demand is growing at 55% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer 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 — Software Engineer or AI Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.