AI Manufacturing Specialist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$155,000
national median salary
$115,000 to $205,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$207,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$161,000
Sacramento, CA
Lowest Paying
$120,000
Charleston, WV
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 Manufacturing Specialist salary in the United States is $155,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $115,000 at the 25th percentile to $205,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $207,000, while Sacramento offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Compensation depends on industry subsector and plant complexity.
AI Manufacturing Specialist salary by city
Skills that increase AI Manufacturing Specialist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Manufacturing Specialists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $21,700 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$21,700 per year
≈ +$20,150 per year
≈ +$18,600 per year
≈ +$17,050 per year
≈ +$15,500 per year
≈ +$15,500 per year
≈ +$15,500 per year
≈ +$13,950 per year
What you should know
Compensation depends on industry subsector and plant complexity. Automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturers pay the highest rates. Specialists with expertise in predictive maintenance, quality control vision systems, and digital twin modeling command premium salaries across all manufacturing verticals.
Junior industrial data scientists start around $90,000. Senior AI manufacturing specialists earn $145,000 to $175,000. Directors of smart manufacturing or VP of industrial AI reach $230,000 to $300,000 at major manufacturers.
Manufacturing companies offer bonuses of 10% to 20% plus profit-sharing programs. Some roles include relocation packages to factory locations. Benefits often include strong retirement contributions and on-site amenities.