TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

AI Engineer Salary
in Winston-Salem, NC

Develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems and applications. Median salary in Winston-Salem: $149K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$149K
per year
Take-home: $98K

Salary range in Winston-Salem

Entry level (25th)$111,000
Median (50th)$149,000
Senior (75th)$191,000
Top earner (90th)$247,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Key facts for Winston-Salem

Median salary
$149K
annual
Take-home pay
$98K
after fed/state tax
COL index
85
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,100
per month
YoY growth
+12%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Winston-Salem AI Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $149K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Winston-Salem

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
AI Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$125K$136K$147K$158K$169K201920212023202520272029
2026
$153K
projected
2027
$157K
projected
2028
$160K
projected
2029
$164K
projected
2030
$169K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$149,000+$0
2028 projected$149,000+$0
2029 projected$149,000+$0
2030 projected$149,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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AI Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median AI Engineer salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $149,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Winston-Salem–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for AI Engineer in Winston-Salem

Entry-level AI Engineers in Winston-Salem with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $111,000 and $149,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $149,000 to $191,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $191,000 to $247,000 or more.

Cost of living in Winston-Salem for AI Engineers

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 85 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 15% further in Winston-Salem than the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for AI Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS or AI. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Winston-Salem-based professionals.

AI Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Winston-Salem (current)$149K85
Charlotte$184K100
Raleigh$193K102
Greensboro$154K88
Durham$196K100
Fayetteville$144K82