As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Algorithm Engineer I in Merced, CA is $95,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, an Algorithm Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Algorithm Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Algorithm Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm Engineer I | 0-2 years | $95,475 |
| Algorithm Engineer II | 2-4 years | $111,750 |
| Senior Algorithm Engineer | 4-7 years | $125,591 |
| Principal Algorithm Engineer | 7+ years | $163,146 |
| Lead Algorithm Engineer | 7-10 years | $181,451 |
What Am I Worth?
Algorithm Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $106,907. While startup companies pay approximate $90,441.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $90,441 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $95,652 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $103,237 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $106,907 |
For Algorithm Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Algorithm Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Algorithm Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $124,150 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $114,600 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $114,600 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $114,600 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $109,825 | $53.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Algorithm Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an Algorithm Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Algorithm Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $111,800 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Algorithm Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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