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.
$181,586/yr
Typical range: $154,292 – $189,723
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 | $83,431 | $6,953 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,062 | $8,589 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,149 | $9,679 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,472 | $11,206 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $181,586 | $15,132 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $227,718 | $18,977 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $239,251 | $19,938 | +187% |
Current Salary
$181,586
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$227,718
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential 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 $182K 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 $182K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/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 $154K–$190K/yr.