As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer II in the United States is $108,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Machine Learning Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Learning Engineer II'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 II'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 | $92,674 |
| Machine Learning Engineer II | 2-4 years | $108,472 |
| Senior Algorithm Engineer | 4-7 years | $121,907 |
| Principal Algorithm Engineer | 7+ years | $158,360 |
| Lead Algorithm Engineer | 7-10 years | $176,128 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Machine Learning Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,448. While startup companies pay approximate $102,742.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $102,742 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,662 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $117,280 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $121,448 |
For Machine Learning Engineer II 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 Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $141,037 | $68.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineer II'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 Machine Learning Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Algorithm Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $122,000 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Learning Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
A Machine Learning Engineer II is responsible for writing, testing, and releasing code and internal libraries aligned with technology and product roadmaps. This role involves collaboration with application engineering, product, and business stakeholders to create innovative ML solutions, progressing from research to proof of concept to production. The salary for this position ranges from $97,790 to $117,790, with a midpoint of $106,490.
ML engineers are paid significantly, with salaries ranging from $97,790 to $117,790, due to their specialized skill set and market demand. Their expertise in AI, data science, and statistical modeling makes them highly valuable in today's tech landscape, driving companies to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent.
The highest-paid IT job is often considered to be a Machine Learning Engineer. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is approximately $97,790, the mid-range salary is around $106,490, and the maximum salary can reach up to $117,790. This reflects the growing demand and specialized skills required in the field of machine learning.
As of January 16, 2025, the average annual salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in the United States ranges from $97,790 to $117,790, with a mid-salary of $106,490. This translates to approximately $46.95 to $56.60 per hour, or $1,884 to $2,000 per week, and $8,166 to $8,667 per month.
Among engineering roles, Machine Learning Engineers are among the highest paid in the USA, with a minimum salary of $97,790, a median salary of $106,490, and a maximum salary of $117,790. This positions them favorably compared to other engineering jobs, making them a top choice for those entering the field.
A Machine Learning Engineer II at Microsoft earns an average salary of approximately $106,490, with a range typically between $97,790 and $117,790. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role in the tech industry.
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