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AI/ML Developer Salary in California

How much does an AI/ML Developer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an AI/ML Developer in California is $147,898 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

However, an AI/ML Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $174,095
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $137,246 to $161,610
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $127,548
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out AI/ML Developer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence AI/ML Developer Salaries

An AI/ML Developer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects AI/ML Developer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an AI/ML Developer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $78,680
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $99,144
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $115,639
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,041
  • Expert (over 8 years): $173,642
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Frontend Developer I less than 1 year $78,680
Frontend Developer II 1-2 years $99,144
Frontend Developer III 2-4 years $115,639
AI/ML Developer 5-8 years $145,041
Frontend Developer V over 8 years $173,642

How Do AI/ML Developer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract AI/ML Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $148,461.
  • California: $147,898.
  • Massachusetts: $145,927.

Top Paying Cities for AI/ML Developer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $148,153
  • West Hollywood: $148,045
  • Dodgertown: $148,151

AI/ML Developer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For AI/ML Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, AI/ML Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AI/ML Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an AI/ML Developer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $184,872 $89.0 25%
Software & Networking $184,872 $89.0 25%
Healthcare $170,083 $82.0 15%
Internet $170,083 $82.0 15%
Telecom $170,083 $82.0 15%

AI/ML Developer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an AI/ML Developer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$137,246
Average $147,898/year
$161,610
$11,437
Average $12,325/month
$13,468
$2,639
Average $2,844/week
$3,108
$66
Average $71/hour
$78
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $161,610 $13,468 $3,108 $78
Average $147,898 $12,325 $2,844 $71
25th Percentile $137,246 $11,437 $2,639 $66

Find Your Next AI/ML Developer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AI/ML Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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