AI/ML Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA. Ranges from $128,000 (entry-level) to $378,000 (senior). Median: $223,000.
Median (Mid)
$223,000
$107.21/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $223,000
COL Index
180
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$378,000
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) | $128,000 | $159,000 | $189,000 | $76.44/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $182,000 | $223,000 | $263,000 | $107.21/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $250,000 | $311,000 | $378,000 | $149.52/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Francisco
A mid-level ai/ml engineer earning $223,000 in San Francisco has the same buying power as $124,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 180).
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 San Francisco
The median ai/ml engineer salary in San Francisco, CA 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 high 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 (about $76.44/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $378,000 ($378K annually, or about $181.73/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 San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Engineer Salary in San Francisco
What is the average AI/ML Engineer salary in San Francisco?+
The average AI/ML Engineer salary in San Francisco is $223,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $159,000 and senior-level pay reaches $311,000.
How much does an entry-level ai/ml engineer make in San Francisco?+
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in San Francisco earn between $128,000 and $189,000, with a median of $159,000 per year (about $76.44/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a AI/ML Engineer in San Francisco?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a AI/ML Engineer in San Francisco earns roughly $76.44/hour at entry-level, $107.21/hour at mid-level, and $149.52/hour at senior-level.
Is the AI/ML Engineer salary in San Francisco higher than the US average?+
Yes — AI/ML Engineer salaries in San Francisco are about 0% higher than the US national median of $223,000.
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.
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