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Machine Learning Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer II in the United States is $115,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a Machine Learning Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $135,641
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,190 to $125,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,635
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Engineer II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Machine Learning Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Algorithm Engineer I (0-2 years): $103,729
  • Machine Learning Engineer II (2-4 years): $115,347
  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $139,046
  • Principal Algorithm Engineer (7+ years): $163,044
  • Lead Algorithm Engineer (7-10 years): $193,374
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Algorithm Engineer I0-2 years$103,729
Machine Learning Engineer II2-4 years$115,347
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$139,046
Principal Algorithm Engineer7+ years$163,044
Lead Algorithm Engineer7-10 years$193,374
View as Graph

How Do Machine Learning Engineer II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $127,790.
  • California: $127,290.
  • Massachusetts: $125,590.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineer IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $145,490
  • San Francisco: $143,890
  • Oakland: $140,890

Machine Learning Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $128,953. While startup companies pay approximate $109,081.

Machine Learning Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $109,081
Growth Stage 51~500 $115,364
Established 501~5000 $124,521
Enterprise 5000+ $128,953

Machine Learning Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a Machine Learning Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$150,007$72.030%

Machine Learning Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$108,190
Average $115,390/year
$125,990
$9,016
Average $9,616/month
$10,499
$2,081
Average $2,219/week
$2,423
$52
Average $55/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,990 $10,499 $2,423 $61
Average $115,390 $9,616 $2,219 $55
25th Percentile $108,190 $9,016 $2,081 $52

Machine Learning Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Machine Learning Engineer II

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Advancement

For 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 $139,100 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Machine Learning Engineer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Machine Learning Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for Machine Learning Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Machine Learning Engineer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Learning Engineer II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Learning Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is Machine Learning Engineer ii?

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.

3. Why are ML engineers paid so much?

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.

4. Which IT job is the highest paid?

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.

5. What is the salary of a second engineer in the Us?

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.

6. Which Engineer is highest paid in USA?

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.

7. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer II earn at Microsoft?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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