As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer II in Merced, CA is $111,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
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 | $95,475 |
| Machine Learning 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?
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 $125,142. While startup companies pay approximate $105,868.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $105,868 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $111,967 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $120,847 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $125,142 |
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 | $145,327 | $70.0 | 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 $125,600 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
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