Artificial Intelligence Specialists

Earnings for AI specialists vary by job title, level of experience and education, geographic location, and other factors.

Salaries for computer and information research scientists (a category that includes AI specialists) ranged from $81,450 to $233,110 or more in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They had mean annual earnings of $145,080. Those who worked for Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services earned the highest salaries ($287,180) in 2023.

Machine-learning engineers earned average salaries of $165,000 in 2024, according to GlassDoor.com. Ten percent of engineers earned $98,000, and 10 percent earned $210,000 or more.

Data scientists with artificial intelligence skills earned average salaries of $120,792 in June 2024, according to Salary.com. Earnings ranged from $98,688 to $146,087 or more.

Benefits for AI specialists depend on the employer; however, they usually include such items as health and dental insurance, retirement or 401(k) plans, and paid vacation days. Self-employed AI professionals must provide their own benefits.