London, UK • 74% Geo-Band • 40% State/Regional Tax
AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer Salary in London
2026 local compensation bands, state tax drag ($215,340/yr at R5), and purchasing power benchmarks.
R5 Median Total Comp
$538,350
Cost of Living Index
82 / 100
Real Purchasing Power vs SF
60%
Median Home Price
£650,000
| 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) |
$107,300 | $125,800 | $148,000 | $173,900 | 15% / $62,900 | $207,570 |
| R4 | Member of Technical Staff (MTS) / AI Scientist 2 - 5 Years |
$144,300 | $170,200 | $203,500 | $236,800 | 20% / $129,500 | $333,740 |
| R5 | Senior Research Scientist / Senior MTS 5 - 8 Years |
$192,400 | $229,400 | $281,200 | $333,000 | 25% / $251,600 | $538,350 |
| R6 | Staff / Principal Research Scientist 8 - 12+ Years |
$251,600 | $310,800 | $384,800 | $481,000 | 30% / $444,000 | $848,040 |
| R7 | Distinguished AI Scientist / VP of AI Research 12+ Years |
$333,000 | $407,000 | $518,000 | $666,000 | 35% / $814,000 | $1,363,450 |
London Compensation FAQs
How much does a AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer make in London in 2026?
Adjusted for London (74% market tier), median AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer total compensation spans from $207,570 at R3 to $1,363,450 at R7.
How do taxes and cost of living affect AI Research Scientist & Foundation Model Engineer pay in London?
London carries an estimated 40% state/regional income tax rate and a 82/100 cost-of-living index (median home £650,000), giving roughly 60% real purchasing power compared to San Francisco.