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Character.AI offers a wide range of compensation depending on the role, location, and experience level.
For hourly roles labeled as "Character Ai"—which may refer to content moderation, AI training, or related support positions—the average hourly pay in the United States is $19.08 as of July 2025.
The pay range is broad, with most workers earning between $13.46 (25th percentile) and $24.28 (75th percentile) per hour.
The lowest reported hourly wage is $10.34, while the highest reaches $37.98.
California-Specific Pay Insights
In California, the average hourly pay for a Character Ai is slightly lower at $18.83 per hour as of July 2025.
The pay range in California spans from $13.27 (25th percentile) to $23.94 (75th percentile).
The lowest and highest reported hourly wages are $10.20 and $37.48, respectively.
Notably, California ranks 50th out of 50 states for Character Ai salaries. This indicates that pay for these roles is comparatively lower in the state.
High-Level Technical and Engineering Compensation
For technical roles such as Software Engineer at Character.AI, compensation is significantly higher.
The median salary for a Software Engineer is reported at $407,000, which likely includes both base salary and equity components.
Character.AI offers equity grants that vest over a four-year schedule, with 25% vesting each year.
This structure is typical for high-growth technology startups and can substantially increase total compensation for employees in engineering and leadership positions.
Factors That Influence Pay at Character.AI
Several factors contribute to the wide pay range at Character.AI.
Role type is significant, as technical and engineering roles command much higher salaries than hourly or support positions.
Experience level also plays a key role, with more experienced professionals, especially in engineering, able to expect higher compensation.
Location is another factor, as pay varies by state, with some regions offering lower average wages for the same roles.
For full-time employees, especially in technical roles, stock options or equity grants can be a significant part of total compensation. These typically vest over several years.
Comparing Character.AI Pay to Industry Standards
The hourly pay for Character Ai roles is comparable to other entry-level or support positions in the tech sector.
However, the engineering salaries are notably high, reflecting the competitive landscape for AI talent.
The presence of equity grants further aligns Character.AI with other Silicon Valley startups. Long-term incentives are a key part of compensation packages.
What to Expect When Considering a Role at Character.AI
If you are considering a position at Character.AI, your pay will depend heavily on the specific role and your background.
Hourly and support roles offer an average of $19 per hour, with potential for advancement based on skill and experience.
Technical and engineering roles can exceed $400,000 annually, especially when factoring in equity.
Location also matters, as pay may be lower in certain states, including California, despite the company's headquarters being in Menlo Park.
For those seeking high compensation and long-term incentives, technical roles at Character.AI offer some of the most competitive packages in the AI industry today.
For hourly and support positions, pay is in line with national averages for similar tech roles.
