AI Engineer Salary in Seattle
Seattle is the #2 tech hub with major AI investment from Amazon and Microsoft.
Median total comp: $285K. Lower cost of living than SF with competitive pay.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Seattle Offers SF-Level Pay
Without SF-Level Costs
Amazon and Microsoft dominate Seattle AI hiring. You need to understand their compensation structures.
Seattle has significantly lower cost of living than SF. The real purchasing power comparison matters.
Seattle AI salaries have grown 20%+ in recent years. You want to know current market rates.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in Seattle
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. Seattle ranks #2 behind SF for tech salaries. AI engineers typically earn 15-25% premium over software engineers.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: $130K-$165K | Total Comp: $150K-$220K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: $165K-$200K | Total Comp: $220K-$320K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: $200K-$250K | Total Comp: $320K-$450K+
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.
Seattle AI Hiring Is Accelerating
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 Seattle?
Airbnb leads Seattle tech at $547K average total comp (though primarily SF-based, they have Seattle presence). Meta pays $400K+, followed by Amazon AWS AI teams ($300K-$450K) and Microsoft AI ($280K-$400K). Nvidia's Seattle office also pays competitively for AI/ML roles.
Amazon vs Microsoft: which pays more for AI engineers?
They're comparable at senior levels ($300K-$450K total comp). Amazon tends to be more cash-heavy with lower equity, while Microsoft offers more balanced packages. Amazon's AI teams (AGI, Alexa, AWS ML) are highly competitive. Microsoft's AI focus (Copilot, Azure AI) is growing rapidly.
How do Seattle AI salaries compare to San Francisco?
Seattle trails SF by about 10-15% in absolute numbers. SF median: $300K vs Seattle median: $285K. However, Seattle's lower cost of living means higher purchasing power. No state income tax in Washington adds another 5-10% effective advantage.
What's the real cost advantage of Seattle vs SF?
Seattle cost of living is about 20% lower than SF. Combined with no state income tax (WA) vs 13% (CA), a $285K Seattle salary often provides more purchasing power than $330K in SF. Housing in particular is significantly more affordable.
How much does Washington's no income tax help AI engineers?
Washington has no state income tax vs California's 13.3% top rate. On a $285K salary, that's roughly $25K-$35K more in your pocket annually. This is a significant factor for high earners considering Seattle vs SF.
Is Seattle good for AI startups?
Seattle has a growing AI startup scene, particularly in enterprise AI and cloud infrastructure. Companies like Highspot, Outreach, and Convoy have strong AI teams. The talent pool from Amazon and Microsoft feeds the startup ecosystem. Salaries at startups range from $180K-$300K+ with meaningful equity.
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