Austin, TX • 90% Geo-Band • 0% State/Regional Tax
AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 local compensation bands, state tax drag ($0/yr at R5), and purchasing power benchmarks.
R5 Median Total Comp
$654,750
Cost of Living Index
72 / 100
Real Purchasing Power vs SF
138%
Median Home Price
$560,000
| Level | Title & Experience | 25th %ile Base | Median Base (P50) | 75th %ile Base | 90th %ile Base | Bonus / Equity | Median Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R3 | Research Engineer / Associate MTS 0 - 2 Years (Ph.D. / MS) |
$130,500 | $153,000 | $180,000 | $211,500 | 15% / $76,500 | $252,450 |
| R4 | Member of Technical Staff (MTS) / AI Scientist 2 - 5 Years |
$175,500 | $207,000 | $247,500 | $288,000 | 20% / $157,500 | $405,900 |
| R5 | Senior Research Scientist / Senior MTS 5 - 8 Years |
$234,000 | $279,000 | $342,000 | $405,000 | 25% / $306,000 | $654,750 |
| R6 | Staff / Principal Research Scientist 8 - 12+ Years |
$306,000 | $378,000 | $468,000 | $585,000 | 30% / $540,000 | $1,031,400 |
| R7 | Distinguished AI Scientist / VP of AI Research 12+ Years |
$405,000 | $495,000 | $630,000 | $810,000 | 35% / $990,000 | $1,658,250 |
Austin Compensation FAQs
How much does a AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer make in Austin in 2026?
Adjusted for Austin (90% market tier), median AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer total compensation spans from $252,450 at R3 to $1,658,250 at R7.
How do taxes and cost of living affect AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer pay in Austin?
Austin carries an estimated 0% state/regional income tax rate and a 72/100 cost-of-living index (median home $560,000), giving roughly 138% real purchasing power compared to San Francisco.