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Machine Learning Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer IV in the United States is $158,373 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $180,229
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,333 to $169,813
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,013
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View as table View as graph 25% $150,333 10% $143,013 90% $180,229 75% $169,813 $158,373 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Machine Learning Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,813 $14,151 $3,266 $82
Average $158,373 $13,198 $3,046 $76
25th Percentile $150,333 $12,528 $2,891 $72
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Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Engineer IV Salaries

A Machine Learning Engineer IV'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 IV'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 II (2-4 years): $108,471
  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $121,932
  • Machine Learning Engineer IV (7+ years): $158,358
  • Lead Algorithm Engineer (7-10 years): $176,156
  • Algorithm Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,930
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Algorithm Engineer II2-4 years$108,471
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$121,932
Machine Learning Engineer IV7+ years$158,358
Lead Algorithm Engineer7-10 years$176,156
Algorithm Engineering Manager10+ years$176,930
$108,471 Algorithm...
$121,932 Senior Al...
$158,358 Machine L...
$176,156 Lead Algo...
$176,930 Algorithm...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineer IVs

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: $199,753
  • San Francisco: $197,573
  • Oakland: $193,403

What Skills Can Increase a Machine Learning Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Insight (Mentioned in 3.42% Job Postings): Insight is the understanding cause and effect based on the identification of relationships and behaviors within a model, context, or scenario.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.85% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 2.14% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Insight 3.42%
Computer Science 3.85%
Economics 2.14%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Machine Learning Engineer IV's salary.
  • Research Design: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Inference: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Research Design
$169,459
7%
Commitment
$167,875
6%
Inference
$167,875
6%
Continuous Learning
$166,292
5%
Empowerment
$166,292
5%
Initiative
$164,708
4%
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Machine Learning Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineer IV'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 June 01, 2026

Machine Learning Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Machine Learning Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lead Algorithm Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $176,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Machine Learning Engineer IV

Salaries for a Machine Learning Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,474 in 2023 to around $147,353 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Learning Engineer IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Machine Learning Engineer IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$150,474
2024
$149,773
2025
$147,353
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $150,474
2024 $149,773
2025 $147,353
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Machine Learning Engineer IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Machine Learning Engineer IV

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FAQ about Machine Learning Engineer IV

1. Do ML engineers get paid well?

Yes, Machine Learning Engineers are well-compensated. Based on current data, their salaries range from a minimum of $140,023 to a maximum of $178,963, with a mid-salary of $159,603. Those with significant experience and advanced roles can expect to earn towards the higher end of this spectrum.

2. How much do Apple AI ML engineers make?

Apple Machine Learning Engineers earn between $140,023 and $178,963 annually, with a median salary of $159,603. This reflects a competitive compensation structure in the industry, aligning closely with the national average for similar roles. Salary data is based on various sources, including employee feedback and job postings.

3. Is ML engineer a good career?

Machine learning engineering is a promising career choice, offering lucrative salaries that reflect the demand for skilled professionals in the field. With a minimum salary of $140,023, a mid-range salary of $159,603, and a maximum salary reaching $178,963, this profession provides substantial financial rewards, making it an attractive option for those with the right expertise.

4. Which IT job is the highest paid?

The highest paid IT job in 2025 is the Machine Learning Engineer, with a maximum annual salary of $178,963. The average salary is around $159,603, while the minimum starts at $140,023. This role is among the top earners in the AI/ML field, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in these technologies.

5. What is the richest type of engineer?

The richest type of engineer is a Machine Learning Engineer, with a salary range that reflects their high demand and expertise. The minimum salary is $140,023, the mid-salary is $159,603, and the maximum salary can reach $178,963. This positions them among the top earners in the engineering field, surpassing many traditional engineering roles.

6. How much does a machine learning ML engineer earn?

The estimated total pay for a Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $140,023 to $178,963 per year, with an average salary of $159,603. This average represents the midpoint of the salary range, reflecting the compensation based on data collected from various sources.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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