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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.
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA Market Report
Fall 2026 UpdateUpdated October 3, 2026

AI Engineer Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA (Fall 2026)

Fastest growing role in Southeast as logistics digitize. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA, the median annual base compensation is $238,070, representing a +33% adjustment compared to the national average.

Median Base
$238,070
Market Range (P10–P90)
$174K – $436K
3-Year Trajectory
+9.2%

AI Engineer Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA

10th Percentile
$174,230
Entry / Junior
25th Percentile
$202,958
Mid-Level
50th (Median)
$238,070
Market Midpoint
90th Percentile
$436,240
Senior / Staff

Regional Market Insights & Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CAcommand a 33% premium based on local demand drivers.

CoL Tier: Very HighNational Median: $179,000Data Sources: Motion; Built In (calculated)
Avg Total Comp
$271,320
Experience Level
Experienced roles hit $180k+ nationally; AI-first companies pay 20% premium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average AI Engineer salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA?
In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA, the median base salary for an AI Engineer is $238,070 per year. Salaries typically range from $174K for entry-to-mid levels up to $436K for senior practitioners.
How does San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA compensation compare to the national average?
AI Engineer pay in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA is 33% 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA 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.

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Compare AI Engineer in Other Markets

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA$242KNew York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA$222KBoston-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 San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA

Software Engineer$187KSenior Software Engineer$210KMachine Learning Engineer$207KProduct Manager$188KDevOps Engineer$174KQA Engineer$175K