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Machine Learning Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer V in the United States is $193,364 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $214,090
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $176,851 to $204,213
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $161,817
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Engineer V Salaries

A Machine Learning Engineer V'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 V'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:

  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $139,046
  • Principal Algorithm Engineer (7+ years): $163,044
  • Machine Learning Engineer V (7-10 years): $193,374
  • Algorithm Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,936
  • Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $198,965
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$139,046
Principal Algorithm Engineer7+ years$163,044
Machine Learning Engineer V7-10 years$193,374
Algorithm Engineering Manager10+ years$176,936
Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$198,965
View as Graph

How Do Machine Learning Engineer V 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $214,094.
  • California: $213,282.
  • Massachusetts: $210,439.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineer Vs

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: $243,893
  • San Francisco: $241,223
  • Oakland: $236,139

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.73% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 4.61% 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.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 1.37% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.73%
Computer Science 4.61%
Programming 1.37%
See More Skills

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 V's salary.

  • Active Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Active Learning $216,568
12%
Data-Driven Decision-Making $214,634
11%
Products and Services $210,767
9%
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Machine Learning Engineer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Learning Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $216,092. While startup companies pay approximate $182,792.

Machine Learning Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $182,792
Growth Stage 51~500 $193,321
Established 501~5000 $208,665
Enterprise 5000+ $216,092

Machine Learning Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Learning Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Learning Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$232,037$112.020%
Energy & Utilities$222,369$107.015%
Internet$216,568$104.012%
Aerospace & Defense$212,700$102.010%
Pharmaceuticals$212,700$102.010%

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

Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineer V'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
$176,851
Average $193,364/year
$204,213
$14,738
Average $16,114/month
$17,018
$3,401
Average $3,719/week
$3,927
$85
Average $93/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $204,213 $17,018 $3,927 $98
Average $193,364 $16,114 $3,719 $93
25th Percentile $176,851 $14,738 $3,401 $85

Machine Learning Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Machine Learning Engineer V

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Advancement

For a Machine Learning Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Artificial Intelligence Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $231,900 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Machine Learning Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Machine Learning Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Machine Learning Engineer V

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Learning Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Who earns more AI or ML engineer?

Both AI and ML engineers are in high demand, and their compensation reflects it. Machine learning engineers have a salary range from $172,867 to $209,621, with a mid-salary of $189,423. In comparison, AI engineers generally earn slightly more, but specific salary data may vary based on experience and location.

3. Which software engineer has highest salary in USA?

Among software engineering roles, the Machine Learning Engineer stands out with a competitive salary range. The minimum salary is $172,867, the mid-level salary is $189,423, and the maximum salary can reach $209,621. This positions Machine Learning Engineers as some of the highest-paid professionals in the field, surpassing many other engineering roles.

4. How much does a machine learning engineer make in the Us?

A Machine Learning Engineer in the US typically earns between $172,867 and $209,621 annually. The average salary is around $189,423 per year, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.

5. Is ml engineer a high paying job?

Yes, a Machine Learning Engineer is a high-paying job. The salary data indicates a minimum salary of $172,867, a mid-range salary of $189,423, and a maximum salary of $209,621. This range reflects the lucrative nature of the role, making it an attractive career choice for those in the tech industry.

6. Which IT job is the highest paid?

The highest paid IT job is often the Machine Learning Engineer, with a salary range from $172,867 to $209,621. The average salary is around $189,423, reflecting the high demand for expertise in AI and machine learning technologies. Other top roles include AI/ML Architect, IoT Solutions Architect, and Cloud Architect.

7. How much do entry level AI ML engineers make?

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers can expect to earn between $172,867 and $189,423 annually, with top earners potentially making up to $209,621. This reflects a more competitive salary range compared to other sources, highlighting the growing demand and value of skills in AI and machine learning.

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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