AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer.
Arlington.
$167,000
median salary, 19% above the national average
$126,000 to $213,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Arlington is 22% more expensive than the national average. For AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineers, that shakes out to a median of $167,000, with the full range spanning $126,000 to $213,000. Compensation reflects the ability to apply ML to complex supply chain problems including demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and logistics network design. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $150,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$109,000
to $134,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$142,000
to $175,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$184,000
to $217,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$209,000
to $259,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $71,000 to the total package.
Base
$167,000
Equity
$43,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$10,000
Estimated total: $238,000
How Arlington compares
Arlington, VA
$167,000
Cost of living: 22% above average
National Average
$140,000
Arlington is $27,000 above
AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in Arlington
What you should know
Here is what the AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer market actually looks like in Arlington. Arlington is the heart of the DC defense and intelligence corridor, home to the Pentagon, DARPA, and hundreds of government contractors. The concentration of cleared tech jobs makes it one of the highest-paying metros for cybersecurity and cloud engineering. Amazon's HQ2 has brought a wave of commercial tech hiring. Compensation reflects the ability to apply ML to complex supply chain problems including demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and logistics network design. Engineers who can reduce supply chain costs by measurable percentages through AI-driven decisions earn premiums. Experience with operations research combined with ML provides the most valued skill combination.
Junior supply chain AI engineers start at $90,000 to $110,000. Mid-level engineers building production forecasting systems reach $130,000 to $158,000. Senior engineers designing network-wide optimization platforms earn $165,000 to $200,000. Directors of supply chain AI at major retailers or manufacturers can reach $220,000 to $280,000. In Arlington, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 22% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Performance bonuses of 12% to 20% tied to cost reduction or service level improvements are common. Equity at supply chain tech companies adds $15,000 to $55,000 annually. Benefits at large retailers and manufacturers include comprehensive packages and product discounts. And on the tax side: virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75%. Arlington has no additional city income tax. Proximity to DC means many residents compare against DC and Maryland tax rates. When someone quotes you $167,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: A security clearance is your strongest asset. Cleared professionals in Arlington earn 20 to 30% premiums over non-cleared equivalents. The range for AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineers in Arlington runs from $126,000 to $213,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI EdTech Specialist in Arlington earns $166,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Arlington is Distinguished Engineer at $386,000
Common questions.
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Other salaries in Arlington
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