TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level AI Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$140,271/yr
Typical range: $133,401 – $164,035
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
AI Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $140,271 | $11,689 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $173,276 | $14,440 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $195,279 | $16,273 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $226,084 | $18,840 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $305,296 | $25,441 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $382,858 | $31,905 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $402,248 | $33,521 | +187% |
Current Salary
$140,271
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $67/hr
Next Level Target
$173,276
Junior · 2
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level AI Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Entry Level AI Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $140K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level AI Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $140K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $67/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior AI Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Austin, TX earns $259K–$319K/yr.