AI Engineer Salary in Washington DC, DC
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$190,000
▲ 9.2% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$115,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$145,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$190,000
50th Pct.
Median
$240,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$305,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active AI Engineer roles in Washington DC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average AI Engineer salary in Washington DC?+
The median AI Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $190,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $145,000 and $240,000.
What is the entry-level AI Engineer salary in Washington DC?+
Entry-level AI Engineer positions in Washington DC typically start around $145,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $190,000.
What do senior AI Engineers earn in Washington DC?+
Senior AI Engineers in Washington DC earn $240,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $305,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the AI Engineer market changed in Washington DC?+
Year-over-year salary growth for AI Engineers in Washington DC stands at 9.2% as of May 2026, indicating strong demand in the local market.
AI Engineer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $170,000 | $225,000 | $285,000 | +9.2% |
| New York, NY | $160,000 | $210,000 | $265,000 | +9.2% |
| Seattle, WA | $150,000 | $195,000 | $250,000 | +9.2% |
| Boston, MA | $140,000 | $185,000 | $240,000 | +9.2% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $155,000 | $200,000 | $255,000 | +9.2% |
| San Diego, CA | $140,000 | $185,000 | $240,000 | +9.2% |
| Sacramento, CA | $135,000 | $180,000 | $230,000 | +9.2% |
| Baltimore, MD | $120,000 | $160,000 | $200,000 | +9.2% |
Washington DC — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $120,000 | $160,000 | $200,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $110,000 | $145,000 | $190,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $100,000 | $130,000 | $175,000 |
| Backend Developer | $105,000 | $145,000 | $185,000 |
| iOS Developer | $110,000 | $150,000 | $195,000 |
| Android Developer | $105,000 | $145,000 | $185,000 |