🧠 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

AI Research Scientist Salary in United States

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for AI Research Scientist in United States.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +45%
$275,000
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $132.21/hr
📊 80% Range: $180,000 – $650,000
10th % Entry $180,000
25th % Junior $227,500
50th % Median $275,000
75th % Senior $462,500
90th % Top 10% $650,000
Base Annual Salary $275,000
Target Annual Bonus $33,000
Annual Stock / Equity $60,500
Total Compensation (TC) $368,500
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified AI Research Scientist Openings in United States

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $275,000/yr median benchmark.

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Salary Progression by Experience Level in United States

Estimated pay progression across career stages for AI Research Scientist

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior AI Research Scientist

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$180,000
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

AI Research Scientist

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$275,000
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior AI Research Scientist

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$462,500
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$650,000

AI Research Scientist Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$379,500

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$374,000

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$368,500

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$352,000

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$352,000

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$352,000

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$343,750

California

COL Index: 142%
$343,750

Role Profile & Career Requirements

AI Research Scientists invent fundamental breakthroughs in Large Language Models (LLMs), reinforcement learning, computer vision, and multimodal cognitive systems.

Required Education
Ph.D. in AI, Machine Learning, or Computational Mathematics
Experience Benchmark
3-7+ years
10-Year Projected Growth
+45%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a AI Research Scientist make in United States?

The median annual salary for a AI Research Scientist in United States is $275,000, with entry-level professionals earning around $180,000 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $650,000.

What is the average hourly rate for a AI Research Scientist in United States?

On average, a AI Research Scientist in United States makes approximately $132.21 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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