AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer.
San Diego.
$164,000
median salary, 17% above the national average
$123,000 to $208,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
San Diego is 17% more expensive than the national average. For AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineers, that shakes out to a median of $164,000, with the full range spanning $123,000 to $208,000. 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 $147,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$107,000
to $131,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$139,000
to $172,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$180,000
to $213,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$205,000
to $254,000
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
$164,000
Equity
$43,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$10,000
Estimated total: $235,000
How San Diego compares
San Diego, CA
$164,000
Cost of living: 17% above average
National Average
$140,000
San Diego is $24,000 above
AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in San Diego
What you should know
The AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineer landscape in San Diego is not what most salary sites will tell you. San Diego's economy thrives on defense, biotech, and a growing tech startup scene. The city's proximity to major military installations drives strong aerospace and cybersecurity demand. Biotech companies along the Torrey Pines corridor compete aggressively for scientific and engineering talent, pushing specialized salaries close to Bay Area levels. 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 San Diego, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 17% 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: california's top 13.3% state tax applies here. While San Diego has no city income tax, the state burden means you should negotiate gross pay higher than you might expect for the cost of living. When someone quotes you $164,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage defense and biotech sector demand. Candidates with security clearances or specialized science backgrounds can command 15 to 20% premiums in San Diego. The range for AI Supply Chain Optimization Engineers in San Diego runs from $123,000 to $208,000. 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 Software Engineer in San Diego earns $163,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in San Diego is Principal Quantitative Researcher at $418,000
- See all ai industrial roles tracked in Orbyt Intelligence
Common questions.
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