AI Engineer Salary
in Austin, TX
Develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems and applications. Median salary in Austin: $175K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Austin
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Austin, Texas.
Key facts for Austin
Salary forecast: Austin AI Engineer to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $175K by 2030.
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AI Engineer Salary in Austin, Texas: Complete Guide (2026)
The median AI Engineer salary in Austin, TX is $175,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Austin–TX metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for AI Engineer in Austin
Entry-level AI Engineers in Austin with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $130,000 and $175,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $175,000 to $225,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $225,000 to $290,000 or more.
Cost of living in Austin for AI Engineers
Austin has a cost of living index of 110 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Austin are close to the national average. Crucially, Texas has no state income tax — giving Austin-based AI Engineers an immediate 5–7% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).
Education requirements for AI Engineer
Master's or PhD in CS or AI. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Austin-based professionals.