AI Compiler Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$200,000
national median salary
$150,000 to $262,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$284,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$208,000
San Francisco, CA
Lowest Paying
$159,000
Wichita, KS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average AI Compiler Engineer salary in the United States is $200,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $150,000 at the 25th percentile to $262,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $284,000, while San Francisco offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. This highly specialized role combines compiler engineering with deep learning optimization and commands significant premiums.
AI Compiler Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase AI Compiler Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Compiler Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $28,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$28,000 per year
≈ +$26,000 per year
≈ +$24,000 per year
≈ +$22,000 per year
≈ +$20,000 per year
≈ +$20,000 per year
≈ +$20,000 per year
≈ +$18,000 per year
What you should know
This highly specialized role combines compiler engineering with deep learning optimization and commands significant premiums. Engineers who develop or optimize ML compilers like XLA, TVM, or MLIR-based toolchains earn 15 to 25% more than general compiler engineers. Experience with graph-level optimizations, operator fusion, and hardware-specific code generation for GPUs and custom accelerators drives the strongest offers.
Compiler engineers earning $120,000 to $160,000 specialize into AI compiler roles at $150,000 to $262,000. Senior AI compiler engineers earn $210,000 to $290,000 before advancing to Principal Compiler Engineer or AI Toolchain Architect at $250,000 to $320,000. This niche commands consistently high demand.
Total packages range from $240,000 to $460,000 with equity, research bonuses, and patent incentives of 15 to 25% of base. AI chip companies and major cloud providers offer the strongest total compensation, with equity grants often representing 40% or more of the total package.