TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years

Senior AI Engineer Salary in Seattle

2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.

$190,378/yr

Typical range: $218,439 $268,601

P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

AI Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$118,118$9,843
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$145,911$12,159+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$164,439$13,703+39%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$190,378$15,865+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$257,080$21,423+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$322,393$26,866+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$338,721$28,227+187%
Current Salary
$190,378
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$257,080
Staff · 10
+$67Kpotential 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 $190K 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 $190K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/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 $218K–$269K/yr.