AI/ML Engineer Salary in Phoenix
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in Phoenix, AZ. Ranges from $90,000 (entry-level) to $266,000 (senior). Median: $157,000.
Median (Mid)
$157,000
$75.48/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $157,000
COL Index
100
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$266,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $90,000 | $112,000 | $133,000 | $53.85/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $128,000 | $157,000 | $185,000 | $75.48/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $176,000 | $219,000 | $266,000 | $105.29/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Phoenix
A mid-level ai/ml engineer earning $157,000 in Phoenix has the same buying power as $157,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 100).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Phoenix
The median ai/ml engineer salary in Phoenix, AZ is $157,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100), Phoenix offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Phoenix can expect to earn between $90,000 and $133,000 (about $53.85/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $266,000 ($266K annually, or about $127.88/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Engineer Salary in Phoenix
What is the average AI/ML Engineer salary in Phoenix?+
The average AI/ML Engineer salary in Phoenix is $157,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $112,000 and senior-level pay reaches $219,000.
How much does an entry-level ai/ml engineer make in Phoenix?+
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Phoenix earn between $90,000 and $133,000, with a median of $112,000 per year (about $53.85/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a AI/ML Engineer in Phoenix?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a AI/ML Engineer in Phoenix earns roughly $53.85/hour at entry-level, $75.48/hour at mid-level, and $105.29/hour at senior-level.
Is the AI/ML Engineer salary in Phoenix higher than the US average?+
Yes — AI/ML Engineer salaries in Phoenix are about 0% higher than the US national median of $157,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a AI/ML Engineer offer in Phoenix?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Phoenix
Know Your Worth as a AI/ML Engineer in Phoenix
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers