TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$392,866/yr
Typical range: $333,815 – $410,472
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in New York
AI Engineer Salary Progression in New York
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 | $180,506 | $15,042 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $222,978 | $18,582 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $251,293 | $20,941 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $290,933 | $24,244 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $392,866 | $32,739 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $492,675 | $41,056 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $517,628 | $43,136 | +187% |
Current Salary
$392,866
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $189/hr
Next Level Target
$492,675
Principal · 14
+$100Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in New York, NY earn approximately $393K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $393K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $189/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior AI Engineer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in New York, NY earns $334K–$410K/yr.