TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior AI Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$284,055/yr
Typical range: $325,923 – $400,767
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
AI Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $176,238 | $14,687 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $217,706 | $18,142 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $245,351 | $20,446 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $284,055 | $23,671 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $383,578 | $31,965 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $481,027 | $40,086 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $505,389 | $42,116 | +187% |
Current Salary
$284,055
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $137/hr
Next Level Target
$383,578
Staff · 10
+$100Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior AI Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Senior AI Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $284K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior AI Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $284K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $137/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior AI Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $326K–$401K/yr.