As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer IV in District of Columbia is $175,353 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, a Machine Learning Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm Engineer II | 2-4 years | $120,100 |
| Senior Algorithm Engineer | 4-7 years | $134,975 |
| Machine Learning Engineer IV | 7+ years | $175,336 |
| Lead Algorithm Engineer | 7-10 years | $195,009 |
| Algorithm Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $195,901 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Machine Learning Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $196,298. While startup companies pay approximate $166,063.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $166,063 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $175,631 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $189,560 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $196,298 |
For Machine Learning Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $219,191 | $105.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $210,424 | $101.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $201,656 | $97.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $192,888 | $93.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $192,888 | $93.0 | 10% |
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 August 01, 2026For 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 $195,100 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
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