Computer Vision Engineer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

• As of July 2026, the annual median computer vision engineer salary is $167,000, according to Glassdoor [1].

• Computer vision is a technology that enables machines to identify and describe objects, faces, and scenes in images and video footage.

• Computer vision engineering is a promising career, with startups and tech giants such as Meta and Apple actively seeking skilled professionals to develop innovative solutions.

A computer vision engineer designs programs and algorithms to track various attributes in visual media. Learn more about the average computer vision engineer salary in the United States and the factors that influence it.

Afterward, if you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in machine learning, enroll in the Machine Learning Specialization offered by Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to build and train a neural network with TensorFlow, implement unsupervised learning techniques, use decision trees, and more.

What is computer vision?

Computer vision is akin to a digital eye that enables machines to "see" and understand images. Backed by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), computer vision can sift through vast amounts of image and video data to identify and describe objects, faces, and scenes.

Computer vision engineers, as the developers of the digital eye, play a vital role in shaping and advancing emerging technologies such as autonomous driving and medical imaging. Startups and tech giants, including Meta, Google, and Apple, actively seek computer vision engineers to foster innovation.

What does a computer vision engineer do?

A computer vision engineer specializes in designing programs and algorithms for detecting, categorizing, and tracking objects in image and video footage. In this role, you’ll also engage in extensive testing and troubleshooting to ensure the trustworthiness of computer vision systems. Other common work duties include:

• Cleaning and preprocessing input data for machine learning models

• Training machine learning models for classification and automated decision-making

• Calibrating neural networks and deep learning models for designated vision tasks

• Gathering analytical data from computer vision algorithms

• Maintaining design and operational guides for computer vision systems

• Making certain computer vision systems adhere to relevant privacy and security regulations

Read more: Deep Learning vs. Neural Network: What’s the Difference?

How much does a computer vision engineer make?

The annual pay for a computer vision engineer in the US ranges from $115,297 to $131,578, according to multiple job listing sites. Consider the base salary ranges provided by Payscale, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and Indeed [2, 3, 1, 4].

Glassdoor salary information represents the median total pay. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Factors that impact computer vision engineer salary

Your salary as a computer vision engineer can vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, industry, location, and the company you work for. Understanding these elements can help you boost your earning potential.

Education

Computer vision is part of the broader field of AI. According to Zippia, AI specialists with a bachelor’s degree earn approximately $170,704 per year [5]. A master's degree, however, offers higher pay at around $196,643 per year. Most AI specialists, about 63 percent, hold a bachelor's degree [5]. Common fields of study include computer science and computer engineering.

Experience

As your experience grows, so do your earnings. Consider the estimated median total pay you can earn based on your years of experience, according to Glassdoor [1].

• 0–1 year: $133,000

• 1–3 years: $155,000

• 4–6 years: $173,000

• 7–9 years: $193,000

• 10–14 years: $223,000

• 15 or more years: $250,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of July 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Skills

A diverse skill set can open doors to various roles and responsibilities within an organization. By continually updating and refining your skills, you demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Payscale lists the following key skills for computer vision engineers and the average salaries that these skills bring [2]:

• Computer vision: $123,050

• Deep learning: $129,425

• Python: $110,222

• Machine learning: $119,757

• C++: $132,998

Industry

Computer vision is gaining traction in a wide range of industries, including utilities, automotive, and manufacturing. For instance, a computer vision system engineered to inspect products on a manufacturing line can process thousands of items per minute, pinpointing subtle imperfections that might elude human detection. Strategically contributing to such high-value, profitable industries can help you boost your overall income. According to Glassdoor, information technology and manufacturing are among the top-paying industries for computer vision engineers, offering the following estimated median total salaries [1]:

• Information technology: $170,015

• Manufacturing: $154,768

The aforementioned figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Location

Earnings can differ significantly based on your geographical location, with some states, such as California, offering salaries that surpass the national average. If you’re willing to relocate, researching salaries specific to different locations can help you make an informed decision. Discover some of the top-paying cities for computer vision engineers in the US [4]:

• Santa Clara, CA: $226,468

• San Jose, CA: $212,947

• Sunnyvale, CA: $211,362

• Austin, TX: $200,629

• San Francisco, CA: $187,480

• Mountain View, CA: $151,114

• San Diego, CA: $122,895

• New York, NY: $118,44

Company

Pay can differ between firms, depending on the scope of your training and responsibilities within an organization. Among the top-paying companies for computer vision engineers in the US are [1]:

• Cruise: $261,000–$415,000

• Google: $248,000–$391,000

• Meta: $229,000–$360,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of July 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Job outlook: Is computer vision engineer a good career?

The job outlook for computer vision engineers is promising in the years ahead. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 20 percent increase in employment prospects for computer and information research scientists between 2024 and 2034 [6]. The forecast translates to 3,200 job openings a year, on average, in that time frame [6].

Additionally, Grand View Research reports that the global computer vision market, valued at $23.6 billion in 2025, will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1 percent from 2026 to 2033 [7].

Due to technological advancements, an increasing number of industries, including education, health care, and consumer electronics, are embracing computer vision. As a result, computer vision will likely generate a large influx of job openings.

Check out our free resources on machine learning

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to get weekly updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Learn more about machine learning with our other free digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Machine Learning Classification | Python Diabetes Prediction Model

• Take a quiz: Which Machine Learning Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Read our Career Chat issue: 6 Machine Learning Certificates + How to Choose the Right One for You

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial