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.
$117,862/yr
Typical range: $112,090 – $137,830
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 | $117,862 | $9,822 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $145,595 | $12,133 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $164,083 | $13,674 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $189,966 | $15,831 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $256,524 | $21,377 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $321,695 | $26,808 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $337,988 | $28,166 | +187% |
Current Salary
$117,862
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$145,595
Junior · 2
+$28Kpotential 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 $118K 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 $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/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 $218K–$268K/yr.