As an AI developer, you have an exciting opportunity to participate in a high-demand industry that’s changing the world.
From a junior developer and beyond, the salary grows to reflect the skills and accumulated experience gleaned as your career path unfolds.
This piece highlights what you should expect to earn, plus some extra tips to help make you stand out from your peers and ideally place you on the upper end of the salary range.
AI Developer Salaries
As AI developers continue to be sought out, it’s projected that the AI developer salary will increase 8% annually.
With that said, here are the current AI developer salaries in both the United States and Canada. We’ve categorized each according to your level of experience.
Entry-Level AI Developer Salaries (0-2 Years on the Job)
Across the USA, the majority of people entering the AI developer field make between $51,500 and $78,500. However, depending on the company, sector, and education level, some earn more.
In Canada, a junior or entry-level AI developer makes an average of $67,474 annually.
Mid-Level AI Developer Salaries (2-5 Years on the Job)
For those who have a little more experience, the average salary in the United States is $106,264 and around $93,000 in Canada.
Senior-Level AI Developer Salaries (6-10 Years on the Job)
Senior-level AI developers earn an average salary of $175,000 in the USA and $174,661 in Canada.
There is a likelihood of variance here because of the years of experience; the longer someone has been in the position, the more they are likely to earn.
Though iterations of AI development have existed since the 1950s, the emergence of today’s type of AI developer is still relatively recent. Charting the pay scale throughout the coming years will be interesting.
Lead AI Developer Salary
Most AI developers are eligible to be promoted to lead after they gain 5 to 8 years of experience.
In the USA, a lead AI developer currently earns an average of $254,707. The average yearly compensation for the same role in Canada is $121,281.
AI Director Salary
Most AI directors have a Master’s or PhD, as well as at least 5 years of developer experience. AI directors in the USA earn an average of $294,432, while in Canada, it’s around $127,118.
Factors Influencing AI Developer Salaries
Previous experience within the sector coupled with education level are some of the main salary determining factors. As in any industry, graduates with a master’s degree in computer science or related fields typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree level of education.
However, other criteria influence pay, like:
Geographic Location
Usually, regions with higher salaries tend to be areas where the cost of living is inflated — thus, the take-home compensation is increased.
In the USA, some of the main hubs for AI developers are:
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Boston
- New York City
- Austin
These cities are on the upper end of the cost of living scale.
In Canada, these cities are:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Edmonton
If you’re considering relocation or are just curious about how much it costs to live in various places, a cost-of-living calculator can give you a general idea.
For those seeking remote work opportunities, be aware that most employees will pay you based on your location, not theirs.
For example, suppose you live in Huntsville, Alabama, but work for a tech company based in San Francisco, California. In that case, your payment will likely reflect what’s customary in your Huntsville location — not what your San Francisco peers earn.
In addition to the USA and Canada, artificial intelligence tech jobs exist in Europe, India, and elsewhere.
Company Size
Larger, well-established tech companies usually have a bigger budget to pay their AI developers more than, say, a budding startup.
However, it’s worth considering: do you crave the security of a well-established company like IBM or Microsoft, or do you want to be part of something new and exciting?
Industry
AI developers are in demand in some of the highest-paying sectors of business, including:
- Healthcare
- Software
- Retail
- Travel
- Finance
- Fitness
Currently, some of the most lucrative industries for AI developers to work in are:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Technology
- Research
Because these fields dominate the current business landscape, many of these companies have larger budgets. They are willing to do whatever it takes to remain at the forefront of current industry standards.
From creating smarter chatbots to building sophisticated systems aiding in project management and data analysis, AI engineers and developers are in high demand.
Overall Project Scope and Complexity Level
The complexity of the project may also influence AI developer compensation.
The higher-paying positions include:
- AI research scientist
- Machine learning engineer
- AI solutions architect
- AI product manager
Each of these demands a comprehensive understanding of the technology, coupled with proficiency in AI models, robotics, algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing, machine learning, and more.
Helpful Tips to Increase Your Salary as an AI Developer
Even though AI developers are currently sought-after, it’s always a good idea to stand out. This aids not only in securing your dream job at an incredible company but also in increasing your salary.
Organizations seek talented individuals who are invested in their work. People who are energized by it and understand how important it is to remain an actively engaged participant in this ever-changing and dynamic field.
Here are some tips that can help increase your salary as an AI developer:
Prioritize Continuous Education
The job market is competitive, so it’s important to constantly seek continuous education opportunities. Look for institutions offering relevant certifications — just be sure they’re reputable. Seek out any courses that can boost your employability in the AI development sphere.
Network and Connect With Others in the Industry
Some people are natural networkers. For others, the mere prospect makes them squirm.
No matter where you fall within that spectrum, it’s essential to network. This gives you a chance to connect with peers and companies seeking people just like you. The trick to getting out there and networking is… just do it.
You don’t have to overwhelm yourself by filling up your weekends; just keep an eye out for virtual and in-person events and organizations you’d like to check out.
For example, Obsidi® is an excellent resource for Black professionals in the tech industry. Becoming a member gives you access to valuable career-focused events, the opportunity to connect with hiring managers or recruiters and access a job board full of employers looking to hire skilled Black talent.
Members also have access to Obsidi® Tech Talks ranging from niche tech-related topics to broader subjects, such as salary negotiation or nailing a job interview.
Develop and Showcase Specialized Skills
What additional skills do you have – or can you learn – in AI development or a related field that you can bring to the table?
Are you proficient in Java and Python? What other programming languages do you know? How much do you know about data science? Do you have any knowledge of software development or software engineering?
What soft skills do you possess that lend themselves well to the job, such as:
- Communication
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Emotional intelligence
- Adaptability
- Effective time management
- Leadership
What are some examples of how you’ve used those skills advantageously?
Master Effective Negotiation Techniques
Most of us are people-pleasers and, as a result, tend to accept what is offered, not wanting to appear “difficult” or “contrary.”
However, most companies expect you to negotiate. This means that people who just accept what’s being offered are essentially agreeing to be paid less than what the company can actually pay.
According to a survey by Glassdoor, 52% of men negotiate their initial salary, compared to 46% of women (who, when negotiating, tend to ask for 30% less than men).
Black women likely suffer the most — a study of minimum salary requirements showed that, on average, the minimum salary requested by Black women was 40% less than what was requested by white males.
Learning to negotiate effectively means to:
- Research the base salary beforehand: use LinkedIn or Glassdoor.
- Predetermine what you’ll accept beforehand.
- Lay out your relevant experience (both direct and indirect).
- If relevant, let them know what another company is prepared to pay you for the same position.
Practice your negotiation pitch. The more confident and at ease you are during this process, the better.
Demonstrate You Have What They Need
Depending on which part of AI development you hope to work in, it’s worth considering whose perspective is currently missing.
How can you provide some much-needed insight?
For example, certain generative AI tools and resources are believed to be biased because they were trained by a particular demographic and, as such, are likely to have those stereotypes or biases pre-programmed as a result.
What alternative point-of-view can you offer?
Maybe it’s your ethnicity, cultural experience, or something else that works to counterbalance the status quo and bring some much-needed diversity to the table.
A stereotype commonly associated with people who work in the computer science field is that they are likely male, white, and prefer to be alone.
This could not be further from the truth. In order for this field to be cutting-edge and relevant, it requires a diverse array of people who understand and are able to address a wide range of needs and experiences.
There’s energy and excitement here, and whatever life experience you have is something that the industry likely needs.
Increase Your Understanding of Business Acumen
To ensure you’re able to deliver a robust and fully-fledged product that addresses both the business and customer needs, you need to have a complete and accurate understanding of what those needs are.
Increasing your understanding of business acumen involves:
- Learning the lingo
- Finding a mentor
- Keeping abreast of current industry trends
- Cross-training with different departments
- Understanding how each department contributes to the organization as a whole
- Listening to customers so you can create what they need
The more you understand what’s required from a big-picture perspective, the more you’ll be able to demonstrate both your competence and passion for what you do.
Other Worthy Considerations
When negotiating salaries and weighing the pros and cons of potential pay, there are a few other important things to consider:
- Take a look at the benefits package: does the company provide healthcare insurance, including dental and vision?
- What does their 401k look like?
- Do they offer employee stocks and shares within the company?
- What is their time off and vacation policy?
- What other perks and compensation packages do they offer?
Conclusion
Bring your creativity and your authentic self, and enjoy a lucrative career in this incredibly exciting industry. Your unique voice and perspective — combined with your education, experience, and passion — matter.
To start exploring opportunities in Black tech, check out the Obsidi® job board today!
