AI Engineer Salary in New York City
NYC combines tech salaries with finance premiums for AI engineers.
Median total comp: $220K. Quant shops and top tech pay $350K+.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
NYC Has Unique AI Salary Dynamics.
Here's What You Need to Know.
NYC blends finance, media, and tech. AI salaries vary dramatically by sector.
Quant firms like Hudson River Trading pay differently than Google or startups.
You're weighing NYC against SF or remote. You need real numbers to decide.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in NYC
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. AI engineers typically earn 15-25% premium over software engineers. Finance AI roles can pay 50%+ more.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: $110K-$150K | Total Comp: $130K-$180K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: $150K-$190K | Total Comp: $180K-$250K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: $190K-$250K | Total Comp: $250K-$400K+
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.
NYC AI Engineering Demand Is Growing Fast
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 NYC?
Hudson River Trading leads at $500K average total comp for quant/ML roles. Netflix pays $433K, Reddit $427K. For pure AI engineering, Meta ($375K), Google ($320K), and Amazon ($335K) are top payers. Finance firms like Citadel and Two Sigma can exceed these for specialized AI talent.
Do finance AI roles pay more than tech AI roles in NYC?
Yes, significantly. Quant shops and hedge funds pay 30-100% premiums for AI/ML talent. A senior AI engineer at a quant firm might earn $400K-$700K vs $250K-$400K at a tech company. The trade-off: finance roles often demand more hours and specialized domain knowledge.
How do NYC AI salaries compare to San Francisco?
SF commands a 15-25% premium over NYC for pure AI engineering roles. SF median: $300K vs NYC median: $220K. However, NYC finance-AI hybrid roles can exceed SF. Cost of living is comparable between the two cities.
Is the NYC AI salary worth the cost of living?
NYC cost of living is about 65% above national average (slightly below SF). A $220K NYC salary has similar purchasing power to $135K in Austin. The career opportunities and networking make NYC worthwhile for many AI engineers, especially in finance-adjacent roles.
What are AI hybrid roles unique to NYC?
NYC excels in AI + finance (quant ML, trading algorithms), AI + media (content recommendation, ad tech), and AI + healthcare (major hospital systems). These hybrid roles often pay premiums because they require domain expertise alongside AI skills.
What sectors hire the most AI engineers in NYC?
Finance (quant trading, fintech), media/advertising (recommendation systems), healthcare (major hospital networks), and traditional tech companies with NYC offices. Finance roles pay highest but have intense culture. Media and healthcare offer better work-life balance at slightly lower comp.
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