On our last AI Salary Report, junior-level AI professionals in North America earned an average of $173,500, more than directors at $152,600.

It’s a signal that the market is changing fast, and that hands-on technical talent may now be valued more than seniority.

We’re launching the 2026 AI Salary Survey to uncover why.

And we want you to be part of it.

Your data, your industry, your future

Every year, thousands of AI engineers, researchers, and tech leaders share their salary data, helping create the industry’s most trusted compensation benchmark for AI and machine learning roles.

By contributing your experience, you’ll help answer questions shaping the future of AI work:

  • Why are builders now out-earning managers?
  • How do salaries compare across roles, regions, and industries?
  • Which skills and specializations are commanding the biggest rewards?
  • How does company size or stage impact compensation?

What’s in it for you

✅ Exclusive insights into real salary data across roles and regions.
✅ Visibility into how your career path compares to your peers.
✅ Contribution to a transparent, data-driven view of what AI expertise is really worth.

This survey takes just 5–7 minutes to complete, and your responses remain 100% anonymous.

Why it matters

AI is evolving faster than any other industry, and so is the value of its talent.

The more professionals who contribute, the clearer the picture becomes.

By sharing your experience, you’re helping to:

  • Set fairer benchmarks for the AI community.
  • Empower engineers and researchers to negotiate confidently.
  • Help organizations align pay with actual expertise and impact.

Ready to shape the data behind AI salaries?


(It only takes a few minutes and helps define how the world values AI talent.)