TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$257,080/yr
Typical range: $218,439 – $268,601
P90 · 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 | $118,118 | $9,843 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $145,911 | $12,159 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $164,439 | $13,703 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $190,378 | $15,865 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $257,080 | $21,423 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $322,393 | $26,866 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $338,721 | $28,227 | +187% |
Current Salary
$257,080
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$322,393
Principal · 14
+$65Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $257K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $257K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.