TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$376,265/yr
Typical range: $319,709 – $393,126
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
AI Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $172,878 | $14,407 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $213,556 | $17,796 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $240,674 | $20,056 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $278,639 | $23,220 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $376,265 | $31,355 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $471,856 | $39,321 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $495,754 | $41,313 | +187% |
Current Salary
$376,265
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $181/hr
Next Level Target
$471,856
Principal · 14
+$96Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $376K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $376K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $181/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior AI Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Boston, MA earns $320K–$393K/yr.