TechnologyUpdated Q1 2025

AI Engineer Salary
in Phoenix, AZ

Develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems and applications. Median salary in Phoenix: $175K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$175K
per year
Take-home: $119K

Salary range in Phoenix

Entry level (25th)$130,000
Median (50th)$175,000
Senior (75th)$225,000
Top earner (90th)$290,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Phoenix, Arizona.

Key facts for Phoenix

Median salary
$175K
annual
Take-home pay
$119K
after fed/state tax
COL index
100
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+12%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Phoenix 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.

Salary trend & forecast — Phoenix

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
AI Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$147K$160K$173K$185K$198K201920212023202520272029
2026
$179K
projected
2027
$184K
projected
2028
$188K
projected
2029
$193K
projected
2030
$198K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$175,000+$0
2028 projected$175,000+$0
2029 projected$175,000+$0
2030 projected$175,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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AI Engineer Salary in Phoenix, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median AI Engineer salary in Phoenix, AZ is $175,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Phoenix–AZ 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 Phoenix

Entry-level AI Engineers in Phoenix 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 Phoenix for AI Engineers

Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Phoenix are close to the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

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 Phoenix-based professionals.

AI Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Phoenix (current)$175K100
Tucson90
Mesa98
Chandler105
Scottsdale118
Glendale95