AI/ML Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in San Francisco. Ranges from $128,000 (entry-level) to $378,000 (senior).
Median (Mid)
$223,000
vs National
+0%
COL Index
180
Senior Max
$378,000
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Minimum | Median | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $128,000 | $159,000 | $189,000 |
| Mid-Level | $182,000 | $223,000 | $263,000 |
| Senior | $250,000 | $311,000 | $378,000 |
About AI/ML Engineer Salaries in San Francisco
The median ai/ml engineer salary in San Francisco is $223,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a higher cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in San Francisco can expect to earn between $128,000 and $189,000, while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $378,000.
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.
AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
New York
$211,000
Mid-level median
Seattle
$201,000
Mid-level median
Los Angeles
$190,000
Mid-level median
Chicago
$173,000
Mid-level median
Austin
$168,000
Mid-level median
Denver
$173,000
Mid-level median
Remote (US)
$157,000
Mid-level median
Boston
$195,000
Mid-level median
Washington D.C.
$198,000
Mid-level median
Atlanta
$165,000
Mid-level median
Dallas
$165,000
Mid-level median
Miami
$178,000
Mid-level median
Phoenix
$157,000
Mid-level median
Minneapolis
$168,000
Mid-level median
Raleigh
$162,000
Mid-level median
Other Roles in San Francisco
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