AI Interview Salary Negotiation:
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Most candidates accept the first offer. Don't be most candidates.
Learn to negotiate AI compensation packages with confidence.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Accepting the First Offer?
You're Probably Underpaid.
You feel awkward negotiating and worry the company will rescind the offer.
You're not sure if the offer is fair—AI engineer salaries vary wildly by company.
You don't know how to evaluate equity, signing bonuses, and total compensation.
Negotiate AI Offers Strategically
The AI Career Accelerator
Companies expect negotiation. A well-prepared counter rarely loses the offer but often gains $10K-$50K+ in total compensation. Know the market and communicate your value.
Research Market Rates
Use levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and your network to understand competitive ranges
Evaluate Total Compensation
Base, bonus, equity, signing bonus, benefits—compare total, not just salary
Prepare Your Counter
Have a specific number with reasoning, not just 'I want more'
Negotiate Professionally
Express enthusiasm, state your case, and give them time to respond
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.
AI Talent Is Scarce. Your Leverage Is Higher Than You Think.
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
When should I negotiate an AI job offer?
Always negotiate after receiving a written offer, never before. Wait until you have the complete package: base, bonus, equity, and start date. Don't negotiate during interviews or verbal discussions. Once you have the offer in writing, you have 2-7 days (or more if you ask) to respond. Use this time to research and prepare your counter.
What should I say when negotiating an AI salary offer?
Be specific and professional: 'I'm excited about this opportunity and would like to discuss the compensation. Based on my research and experience with [specific skills], I was expecting base salary in the $X-$Y range. Is there flexibility to move closer to $Z?' Always express enthusiasm first, cite specific reasons, and give a number. Avoid ultimatums or complaints.
How do I evaluate equity in an AI startup offer?
Questions to ask: (1) How many total shares outstanding? (2) What's the last 409A valuation? (3) What's the strike price? (4) What's the vesting schedule? (5) What happens to unvested shares if acquired? Calculate your percentage ownership and potential value at various exit scenarios. For early startups, treat equity as lottery tickets, not guaranteed value.
How do I leverage multiple AI job offers in negotiation?
Having multiple offers is your strongest negotiating position. Be honest but strategic: 'I have another offer at $X that I'm also excited about. I prefer your company because [specific reasons], but the compensation gap is significant. Can you close that gap?' Don't lie about offers—it's a small industry. Focus on your genuine preference while using the numbers.
Will negotiating cause the company to rescind my AI job offer?
Extremely rare if done professionally. Companies invest thousands in hiring—they won't rescind over negotiation. Red flags that might cause issues: aggressive ultimatums, lying about competing offers, excessive demands far above market rate, negotiating multiple times. A single, well-reasoned counter is expected and won't risk your offer.
Can I negotiate as a junior AI engineer with limited experience?
Yes, though your range is narrower. Research junior AI engineer salaries in your market. Focus on: specific skills you bring, relevant projects, and market demand for AI talent. Even juniors can often negotiate $5K-$15K more than initial offers. The worst they can say is no, and you've still shown confidence and market awareness.
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