AI Engineer Salary in Boston
Boston combines world-class AI research with biotech innovation.
Median total comp: $195K. Academic-to-industry pipeline creates talent premium.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Boston Has a Unique AI Ecosystem.
Here's What It Pays.
MIT and Harvard produce top AI talent. You're competing with fresh PhDs and need to know the market.
Biotech AI is booming in Boston. You want to understand how healthcare AI salaries compare to pure tech.
Boston has Google, Amazon, and Meta offices, but also unique companies. The landscape is different from the West Coast.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in Boston
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. Boston has strong fundamentals with the MIT/Harvard pipeline, biotech sector, and growing big tech presence.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: $100K-$130K | Total Comp: $115K-$160K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: $130K-$165K | Total Comp: $160K-$220K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: $165K-$210K | Total Comp: $220K-$350K+
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Boston AI Roles Span Tech and Biotech
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies pay the most for AI engineers in Boston?
Meta leads Boston tech at $481K average total comp. Google Boston pays $320K+, followed by Amazon ($280K+). In biotech AI, Moderna and Vertex pay $200K-$300K for senior AI roles. The unique Boston play is biotech AI, where domain expertise commands premiums.
Do biotech AI roles pay more than pure tech in Boston?
Pure tech (Meta, Google) pays 10-20% more in base salary, but biotech AI offers unique upside. Biotech equity can be highly valuable - a pre-IPO biotech could generate significant returns. Senior biotech AI engineers earn $200K-$300K with potential for substantial equity gains.
How do Boston AI salaries compare to San Francisco?
Boston trails SF by about 35% in absolute numbers. Boston median: $195K vs SF median: $300K. Cost of living in Boston is about 30% lower than SF, so the real gap is smaller but still meaningful. Boston's advantage is the biotech AI niche that doesn't exist at SF's scale.
Does MIT/Harvard experience help AI engineer salaries in Boston?
Significantly. A PhD or research experience from MIT/Harvard can add 15-25% to offers, especially for senior roles. However, industry experience still trumps academic credentials for most positions. The real advantage is the network and cutting-edge research exposure.
What's the Boston AI startup scene like?
Boston has a strong AI startup ecosystem, particularly in healthcare AI, robotics (Boston Dynamics legacy), and enterprise AI. Startups like Lilt, DataRobot, and Indigo Ag have strong AI teams. Salaries range from $150K-$250K with meaningful equity at growth-stage companies.
Is Boston cost of living manageable on AI salaries?
Boston cost of living is about 30% below SF but 20% above national average. Housing is expensive but not SF-level. A $195K salary in Boston provides solid purchasing power. The suburbs offer significantly lower costs while remaining accessible to tech hubs.
Do I need prior AI experience?
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.
How much time do I need to commit?
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.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
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.
How is this different from online courses?
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.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
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.
Can I do this while working full-time?
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.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available