Autonomous Vehicle Engineer.
Tulsa.
$147,000
median salary, 14% below the national average
$112,000 to $181,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Autonomous Vehicle Engineers actually make in Tulsa: $112,000 at the 25th percentile, $147,000 at the median, and $181,000 at the 75th. That is 14% below the national average. Tulsa has diversified beyond energy into aerospace, healthcare, and a growing tech remote work community. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $132,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$96,000
to $118,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$125,000
to $154,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$162,000
to $191,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$184,000
to $228,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $43,000 to the total package.
Base
$147,000
Equity
$25,000
Bonus
$15,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $190,000
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer salary by company
Total compensation estimates include base, equity, bonus, and signing. Ranges reflect mid to senior level. Derived from public H-1B LCA filings, SEC proxy statements, and aggregated self-reported data.
How Tulsa compares
Tulsa, OK
$147,000
Cost of living: 17% below average
National Average
$170,000
Tulsa is $23,000 below
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in Tulsa
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Autonomous Vehicle Engineer roles in Tulsa, here is what you are walking into. Tulsa has diversified beyond energy into aerospace, healthcare, and a growing tech remote work community. The Tulsa Remote program has attracted thousands of remote workers with financial incentives. The extremely affordable cost of living means salaries stretch further here than almost anywhere. Compensation scales with expertise in sensor fusion, path planning, and functional safety standards like ISO 26262. Engineers with experience shipping L3+ autonomy systems are exceptionally rare and command top dollar. Proficiency in simulation environments and real-world testing frameworks also drives premiums.
Entry-level AV engineers start at $115,000 to $135,000. Mid-level engineers working on perception or planning stacks reach $155,000 to $185,000. Senior AV engineers earn $190,000 to $240,000, while staff-level engineers at companies like Waymo or Cruise can exceed $350,000 in total compensation. In Tulsa, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 17% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. AV companies offer substantial equity packages, often adding $50,000 to $150,000 annually at well-funded startups. Signing bonuses of $25,000 to $50,000 are common for experienced hires. Relocation packages to AV hubs like Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Phoenix are standard. And on the tax side: oklahoma's top income tax rate is 4.75%. Tulsa has no city income tax. The low rate plus extremely affordable housing create exceptional purchasing power. When someone quotes you $147,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Mention the Tulsa Remote program ecosystem. Employers know that remote workers are choosing Tulsa for the cost of living, and they benchmark accordingly against coastal rates. The range for Autonomous Vehicle Engineers in Tulsa runs from $112,000 to $181,000. 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 Computer Vision Engineer in Tulsa earns $148,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Tulsa is Distinguished Engineer at $266,000
Common questions.
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