As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer VI in the United States is $197,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, a Machine Learning Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Machine Learning Engineer VI'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 VI'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Machine Learning Engineer VI | $190,463 |
| Intermediate Level Machine Learning Engineer VI | $191,696 |
| Senior Level Machine Learning Engineer VI | $192,189 |
| Specialist Level Machine Learning Engineer VI | $194,161 |
| Expert Level Machine Learning Engineer VI | $195,887 |
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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Machine Learning Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $220,477. While startup companies pay approximate $186,458.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $186,458 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $197,208 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $212,913 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $220,477 |
For Machine Learning Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $246,400 | $118.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $236,544 | $114.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $226,688 | $109.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $226,688 | $109.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $226,688 | $109.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineer VI'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 July 01, 2026For a Machine Learning Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Algorithm Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $177,000 - a projected growth of -10% over your current level.
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