Vetta
View National AI Engineer Benchmark Guide
These figures are estimated from the national median for this role using a verified geographic cost-of-living multiplier for this metro area. Direct survey data is used where available.
New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA Market Report
Fall 2026 UpdateUpdated October 3, 2026

AI Engineer Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA (Fall 2026)

Fastest growing role in Southeast as logistics digitize. In New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA, the median annual base compensation is $221,960, representing a +24% adjustment compared to the national average.

Median Base
$221,960
Market Range (P10–P90)
$162K – $407K
3-Year Trajectory
+9.2%

AI Engineer Salary Distribution in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA

10th Percentile
$162,440
Entry / Junior
25th Percentile
$189,224
Mid-Level
50th (Median)
$221,960
Market Midpoint
90th Percentile
$406,720
Senior / Staff

Regional Market Insights & Cost of Living

The cost of living in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA is rated as Very High. When evaluating offers in this market, total purchasing power reflects local housing and tax obligations. Compared to national baseline levels ($$179,000), candidates in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PAcommand a 24% premium based on local demand drivers.

CoL Tier: Very HighNational Median: $179,000Data Sources: Motion; Built In (calculated)
Avg Total Comp
$252,960
Experience Level
Experienced roles hit $180k+ nationally; AI-first companies pay 20% premium.

Subscribe to the newsletter to view Average Total Comp & Experience Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average AI Engineer salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA?
In New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA, the median base salary for an AI Engineer is $221,960 per year. Salaries typically range from $162K for entry-to-mid levels up to $407K for senior practitioners.
How does New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA compensation compare to the national average?
AI Engineer pay in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA is 24% above the national median ($179,000 national median). Cost of living for this market is classified as Very High.
What is the 3-year salary growth trend for AI Engineers in this market?
Compensation for AI Engineers has seen a 9.2% change over the past 3 years. Fastest growing role in Southeast as logistics digitize.
What data sources are used for this New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA benchmark?
This benchmark is compiled using Motion; Built In (calculated), with geographic adjustments based on Verified Cost of Living Indexes and local market surveys.

High Demand Track

Market demand for AI Engineer is at an all-time high. Join the Vetta Marketplace to access verified offers from employers hiring at these benchmarks.

Join Vetta Marketplace

Compare AI Engineer in Other Markets

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA$242KSan Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA$238KBoston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH$218KSeattle-Tacoma-Bellevue WA$215KWashington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV$215KLos Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA$215K

Other Tech Salaries in New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA

Software Engineer$160KSenior Software Engineer$196KMachine Learning Engineer$201KProduct Manager$175KDevOps Engineer$162KQA Engineer$163K