TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$305,296/yr
Typical range: $259,407 – $318,977
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $226,084 | $18,840 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$305,296
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $147/hr
Next Level Target
$382,858
Principal · 14
+$78Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $305K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead AI Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $305K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $147/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.