Engineers and researchers who specialize in AI can still command big salaries. Tech companies are being pressured by investors to cut costs in response to a sluggish advertising market and slowing growth rates after massive hiring sprees. However, one area where tech companies are investing is artificial intelligence.
As tech companies are expected to become more financially prudent, they're also figuring out how to compete in the fast-evolving space of generative AI. Google's parent company, Alphabet, told investors during earnings calls that cost-cutting and better use of existing resources will allow it to invest more heavily in AI, for instance.
Google and other Big Tech giants are competing for talent against new entrants, most notably OpenAI, which created the AI chatbot ChatGPT and is one of today's hottest rising tech companies. Because of this, talented engineers with AI skills can command big salaries, despite tech workersnow than in recent history. Engineers who can quickly get up to speed on the latest AI developments may find themselves in a position of strength.
The data below includes a mix of compensation data from company job postings and Levels.fyi, an open database where engineers can submit their compensation information, as well as insight gleaned from speaking with individuals in the industry. The typical AI engineer at Google makes approximately $254,701, with base compensation close to $200,000, according to recent data from Levels.fyi.
Engineers at level three, Google's lowest level for engineers, can expect to make anywhere from $130,000 up to $280,000 in total annual compensation. More senior engineers can expect at leastAn engineer specializing in AI, for instance, told Insider theyrecently received an offer for a level-six position at $535,000, including a base compensation of $265,000 and $270,000 in stock and target bonuses.