TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level AI Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$175,858/yr
Typical range: $167,244 – $205,650
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
AI Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $175,858 | $14,655 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $217,236 | $18,103 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $244,821 | $20,402 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $283,441 | $23,620 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $382,749 | $31,896 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $479,988 | $39,999 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $504,297 | $42,025 | +187% |
Current Salary
$175,858
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$217,236
Junior · 2
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level AI Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level AI Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $176K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level AI Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior AI Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $325K–$400K/yr.