TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$273,890/yr
Typical range: $232,722 – $286,164
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
AI Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $125,841 | $10,487 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $155,451 | $12,954 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $175,191 | $14,599 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $202,827 | $16,902 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $273,890 | $22,824 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $343,473 | $28,623 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $360,869 | $30,072 | +187% |
Current Salary
$273,890
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $132/hr
Next Level Target
$343,473
Principal · 14
+$70Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $274K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $274K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $132/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior AI Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $233K–$286K/yr.