AI & Machine LearningSenior2026
Senior AI Engineer salary
Senior AI Engineer 2026 salary grid by seniority level, in France, the US and the UK. Data from thousands of offers and self-reported pay slips.
Senior France median
95 000 €
gross / year
Senior France daily rate
950 €
pre-tax / day
FR market
33
Stable market
Salaries in France (€ gross / year)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 45 000 € | 55 000 € | 70 000 € |
| Mid | 60 000 € | 75 000 € | 95 000 € |
| Senior | 75 000 € | 95 000 € | 130 000 € |
| Lead | 100 000 € | 130 000 € | 180 000 € |
Freelance daily rate (€ pre-tax / day)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 400 € | 500 € | 650 € |
| Mid | 550 € | 700 € | 900 € |
| Senior | 700 € | 950 € | 1 300 € |
| Lead | 950 € | 1 300 € | 1 800 € |
International comparison
🇺🇸 United States
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | $120,000 | $150,000 | $180,000 |
| Mid | $160,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| Senior | $200,000 | $280,000 | $380,000 |
| Lead | $300,000 | $400,000 | $550,000 |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | £50,000 | £65,000 | £80,000 |
| Mid | £70,000 | £90,000 | £115,000 |
| Senior | £90,000 | £125,000 | £165,000 |
| Lead | £120,000 | £160,000 | £220,000 |
Tips to negotiate your salary
- Know the market median: that's your anchor. The high end (max) is negotiable with a strong case.
- Negotiate the full package: base salary, bonus, equity (BSPCE/RSU), PTO, remote work, healthcare, training, equipment.
- Use your BATNA (best alternative): if you have another offer, mention it — without bluffing.
- Anticipate 'name your price' with a range: state median→max, never min→median.
- Ask for a review in 6 or 12 months if the company can't hit your target immediately.
Sources: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Welcome to the Jungle, Indeed.
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