TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior AI Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$226,084/yr
Typical range: $259,407 – $318,977
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$226,084
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$305,296
Staff · 10
+$79Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior AI Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Senior AI Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $226K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior AI Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $226K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior AI Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Austin, TX earns $259K–$319K/yr.