AI Embedded Systems Developer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$142,000
national median salary
$108,000 to $180,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$202,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$148,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$111,000
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 Embedded Systems Developer salary in the United States is $142,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $108,000 at the 25th percentile to $180,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $202,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Compensation reflects the specialized skill of deploying ML models on resource-constrained hardware.
AI Embedded Systems Developer salary by city
Skills that increase AI Embedded Systems Developer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Embedded Systems Developers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $19,880 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$19,880 per year
≈ +$18,460 per year
≈ +$17,040 per year
≈ +$15,620 per year
≈ +$14,200 per year
≈ +$14,200 per year
≈ +$14,200 per year
≈ +$12,780 per year
What you should know
Compensation reflects the specialized skill of deploying ML models on resource-constrained hardware. Developers who can optimize neural networks for microcontrollers, DSPs, and edge accelerators while meeting real-time and power constraints earn premiums. Experience with TinyML, model quantization for embedded targets, and RTOS integration is highly valued.
Junior embedded AI developers start at $92,000 to $112,000. Mid-level developers deploying production edge AI systems reach $132,000 to $160,000. Senior developers designing embedded AI platforms earn $168,000 to $205,000. Directors of edge AI at IoT companies can reach $225,000 to $280,000 in total compensation.
Equity at IoT and edge AI companies adds $15,000 to $55,000 annually. Bonuses of 10% to 15% are standard. Hardware development kits and prototyping budgets are common perks. Conference travel to embedded systems and ML events is fully supported.