How Much Do Remote
AI Engineers Make?
Remote AI engineers working for US companies earn $100,000-$200,000+ regardless of where they live.
Location flexibility doesn't have to mean lower pay.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You Want Remote Freedom.
But Will It Cost You Salary?
You want to work from anywhere, but you've heard remote roles pay less. Is it worth the trade-off?
You're not in San Francisco or New York. Will companies pay you less because of where you live?
Local companies in your area don't pay well. You want access to US tech company salaries without relocating.
Here's What Remote AI Engineers Actually Earn
The AI Career Accelerator
I work remotely for an international tech company. Many AI engineers I coach have landed remote roles paying US-level salaries. Here's how the compensation actually works.
US Company, Full Remote
$120K-$200K+ regardless of your location
European Company, Remote
€80K-€150K (typically 20-30% lower than US)
Contract/Freelance AI Work
$75-$200/hour depending on specialization
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
While You Research, Others Are Landing Remote AI Roles
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do remote AI jobs adjust salary based on location?
It depends on the company. Three models exist: (1) 'Pay same everywhere' where companies like GitLab, Basecamp pay the same regardless of location. (2) 'Pay market rate' where they adjust based on your local cost of living. (3) 'Pay band' where they have ranges but don't adjust below a floor. Target companies with philosophy (1) or (3) to maximize earnings while living anywhere.
Where can I find high-paying remote AI jobs?
Best sources: (1) LinkedIn with 'Remote' filter to target US companies that hire globally. (2) AngelList/Wellfound for startups. (3) Arc.dev and Toptal for vetted remote talent platforms. (4) Company career pages directly since many top tech companies now hire remote AI engineers globally. Avoid generic job boards where remote often means 'remote within the US only.'
How do I negotiate a remote AI engineer salary?
Three strategies: (1) Don't reveal your location early. Let them assess your skills first. (2) Research what the role pays in their HQ location and anchor your expectations there. (3) Emphasize you're providing SF-quality work at potentially lower cost. Frame it as value, not discount. If they want location-adjusted pay, negotiate perks: equipment stipends, conference budgets, equity.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Which companies pay the best remote AI salaries?
Top-paying remote-friendly companies for AI roles: GitLab, Stripe, Shopify, Cloudflare, DataDog, GitHub, and many well-funded startups. Look for companies that were 'remote-first' before 2020. They typically have better remote compensation policies than companies that added remote options reactively.
Do remote AI roles require specific timezone availability?
Varies by company. Many AI roles are async-friendly because the work involves deep focus, not constant meetings. Some require 4-6 hours of overlap with US timezones for collaboration. Fully async roles exist but are less common. During interviews, ask: 'What does a typical day look like for remote team members?'
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available