As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer in Clayton, NC is $170,330 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Lead Machine Learning Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Machine Learning Engineer'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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Machine Learning Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Algorithm Engineer | 4-7 years | $117,891 |
| Principal Algorithm Engineer | 7+ years | $153,144 |
| Lead Machine Learning Engineer | 7-10 years | $170,326 |
| Algorithm Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $171,106 |
| Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager | 10+ years | $192,413 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.73% |
| Computer Science | 4.61% |
| Programming | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Active Learning
|
$190,770 |
12%
|
|
Data-Driven Decision-Making
|
$189,066 |
11%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$185,660 |
9%
|
|
Team Building
|
$180,550 |
6%
|
|
Data Structure
|
$180,550 |
6%
|
|
Team Development
|
$178,847 |
5%
|
Lead Machine Learning Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $190,675. While startup companies pay approximate $161,306.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $161,306 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $170,600 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $184,130 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $190,675 |
For Lead Machine Learning Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Machine Learning Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Machine Learning Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $204,396 | $98.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $195,879 | $94.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $190,770 | $92.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $187,363 | $90.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $187,363 | $90.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Machine Learning Engineer'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 a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Artificial Intelligence Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $190,700 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Machine Learning Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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