As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer I in the United States is $92,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Machine Learning Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Learning 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 a Machine Learning 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Learning Engineer I | $92,048 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Learning Engineer I | $92,756 |
| Senior Level Machine Learning Engineer I | $93,248 |
| Specialist Level Machine Learning Engineer I | $93,347 |
| Expert Level Machine Learning Engineer I | $93,412 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Machine Learning Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Machine Learning 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 January 01, 2026For a Machine Learning 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 $108,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
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Machine Learning Engineers often face complex challenges, from data wrangling to algorithm optimization, which can be intellectually demanding and time-sensitive. Balancing cutting-edge project demands with continuous learning can create stress. With salaries ranging from $74,090 to $89,490, the financial rewards may help mitigate some of this stress.
Machine learning is a fascinating and rewarding field, but it can also be very stressful. With salaries ranging from $74,090 to $89,490, the financial rewards can be significant, which may add pressure to perform. Balancing project demands and continuous learning can contribute to stress, but many find the challenges worthwhile.
Both AI and ML engineers are in high demand, and their compensation reflects it. Based on salary data, machine learning engineers earn between $74,090 and $89,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $83,590. In comparison, AI engineers generally earn more, averaging around $51 per hour, which can translate to a higher annual salary depending on hours worked.
Machine Learning Engineers can find full-time positions both remote and onsite. They typically work a standard 40-hour week but may occasionally work late if issues arise. Salaries for this role range from $74,090 to $89,490, with a median salary of $83,590, reflecting the demand and expertise required in the field.
A career in the Machine Learning field is an excellent choice in the USA. With salaries ranging from $74,090 to $89,490, this profession offers competitive compensation. The demand for skilled Machine Learning Engineers continues to grow, making it a promising and rewarding lifelong career.
A career as a Machine Learning Engineer can be quite rewarding. With a minimum salary of $74,090, a mid-range salary of $83,590, and a maximum salary of $89,490, it offers competitive compensation. The demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow, making it a promising choice for those interested in technology and data.
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