AI Engineer Salary at Big Tech Companies

As of 2026, the hierarchy is roughly: OpenAI/Anthropic (AI labs) > Netflix > Meta > Google > Apple > Amazon > Microsoft. OpenAI leads with $790K average total comp for senior engineers. Netflix pays exceptionally high base but no equity. Google and Meta offer massive equity that compounds over time.

Levels vary by company but generally: L3/E3 = entry (0-2 years), L4/E4 = mid (2-4 years), L5/E5 = senior (5-8 years), L6/E6 = staff (8+ years). For AI roles, companies often up-level strong candidates by one level due to talent scarcity. A senior at a startup might come in at L5 or L6 at Google.

Most big tech grants RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) on a 4-year vesting schedule. Initial grants range from $200K-$800K for senior AI roles. The key is refreshers—annual grants that maintain or increase your equity. At Meta and Google, strong performers get substantial refreshers that can double their total comp over time.

Yes. At most big tech companies, AI/ML engineers earn 15-30% more than equivalent-level software engineers. This premium exists because: 1) Smaller talent pool, 2) Higher interview bar (ML fundamentals + systems), 3) Direct revenue impact of AI products. The premium is even larger for specialized skills like LLM implementation.

The bar is high but achievable. Expect: 1-2 coding rounds, 1 ML/system design round, 1-2 AI-specific deep dives (transformers, embeddings, RAG systems), and behavioral. The key differentiator is practical implementation experience—big tech wants engineers who can ship, not just theorize. Portfolio projects showing production AI systems help immensely.

Three tactics: 1) Always have a competing offer—even from a smaller company, it creates leverage, 2) Negotiate level, not just comp—one level up can mean $100K+ more, 3) Push on equity and sign-on bonus rather than base (easier for recruiters to approve). Never accept the first offer. Big tech has 10-20% negotiation buffer built into initial offers.

Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.