Self-Driving Car Perception Engineer Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$220,000
national median salary
$172,000 to $286,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$313,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$229,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$168,000
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. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 15-1252. Full methodology.
The average Self-Driving Car Perception Engineer salary in the United States is $220,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $172,000 at the 25th percentile to $286,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $313,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments.
Self-Driving Car Perception Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Self-Driving Car Perception Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Self-Driving Car Perception Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $30,800 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$30,800 per year
≈ +$28,600 per year
≈ +$26,400 per year
≈ +$24,200 per year
≈ +$24,200 per year
≈ +$22,000 per year
≈ +$22,000 per year
≈ +$19,800 per year
Total compensation breakdown
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Self-Driving Car Perception Engineers typically earn $198,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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