AI Data Governance Manager Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$175,000
national median salary
$130,000 to $225,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$249,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$182,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$134,000
Jackson, MS
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 Data Governance Manager salary in the United States is $175,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $130,000 at the 25th percentile to $225,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $249,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Expertise in managing data quality, lineage, and compliance specifically for AI training and inference pipelines drives compensation.
AI Data Governance Manager salary by city
Skills that increase AI Data Governance Manager pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Data Governance Managers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $24,500 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$24,500 per year
≈ +$22,750 per year
≈ +$21,000 per year
≈ +$19,250 per year
≈ +$19,250 per year
≈ +$17,500 per year
≈ +$17,500 per year
≈ +$15,750 per year
What you should know
Expertise in managing data quality, lineage, and compliance specifically for AI training and inference pipelines drives compensation. Managers who can implement governance frameworks spanning data collection, labeling, storage, and model deployment are highly valued. Experience with privacy regulations affecting AI data use and cross border data transfer rules adds premiums.
Junior data governance analysts start at $95,000 to $130,000. Mid level managers with AI data pipeline experience earn $155,000 to $195,000. Senior managers reach $195,000 to $245,000. Directors of AI data governance at large enterprises can exceed $300,000 in total compensation.
Bonuses of 15 to 25% are standard at enterprise technology companies. Equity grants add 10 to 25% of total compensation. Signing bonuses of $15,000 to $40,000 are common. Benefits often include compliance certification funding and professional conference attendance.