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Machine Learning Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Learning Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Director in the United States is $228,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $110.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $235,932
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $220,290 to $232,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $213,006
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Engineering Director Salaries

A Machine Learning Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Learning Engineering Director'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:

  • Principal Algorithm Engineer (7+ years): $163,044
  • Lead Algorithm Engineer (7-10 years): $193,374
  • Algorithm Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,936
  • Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $198,965
  • Machine Learning Engineering Director (10+ years): $228,215
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Principal Algorithm Engineer7+ years$163,044
Lead Algorithm Engineer7-10 years$193,374
Algorithm Engineering Manager10+ years$176,936
Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$198,965
Machine Learning Engineering Director10+ years$228,215
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How Do Machine Learning Engineering Director 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 Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $252,690.
  • California: $251,790.
  • Massachusetts: $248,390.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineering Directors

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: $287,890
  • San Francisco: $284,690
  • Oakland: $278,690

Machine Learning Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Learning Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $255,124. While startup companies pay approximate $215,809.

Machine Learning Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $215,809
Growth Stage 51~500 $228,239
Established 501~5000 $246,354
Enterprise 5000+ $255,124

Machine Learning Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Learning Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 73% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineering Director positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Learning Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$319,606$154.040%
Financial Services$296,777$143.030%
Pharmaceuticals$285,362$137.025%
Internet$273,948$132.020%
Biotechnology$262,534$126.015%

Machine Learning Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineering Director'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
$220,290
Average $228,290/year
$232,290
$18,358
Average $19,024/month
$19,358
$4,236
Average $4,390/week
$4,467
$106
Average $110/hour
$112
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $232,290 $19,358 $4,467 $112
Average $228,290 $19,024 $4,390 $110
25th Percentile $220,290 $18,358 $4,236 $106

Most common benefits for Machine Learning Engineering Director

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

Common company salaries for Machine Learning Engineering Director

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

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FAQ about Machine Learning Engineering Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Learning Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Learning Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. How much does a principal Machine Learning Engineer make in the US?

As of January 29, 2025, the salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Director in the United States ranges from $210,590 to $270,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $244,990. This translates to approximately $101.45 to $130.63 per hour, or $4,021 to $5,624 per week.

3. Is machine learning a good career in USA?

Machine learning is an excellent career choice in the USA. The role of a Machine Learning Engineering Director offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $210,590, a mid-range of $244,990, and a maximum of $270,490. The field is experiencing significant growth, making it a promising path for job seekers in technology.

4. Do ML engineers make more than software engineers?

Data consistently shows that Machine Learning Engineering Directors earn significantly more than software engineers in the U.S. market, with salaries ranging from $210,590 to $270,490. The average salary for this role is approximately $244,990, highlighting the premium placed on expertise in machine learning compared to traditional software engineering roles.

5. How much does the head of machine learning at Apple make?

The salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Director typically ranges from $210,590 to $270,490 per year. The midpoint salary is approximately $244,990. This range reflects the base salary and does not include additional compensation, which may vary based on experience and performance.

6. What is the highest salary for a Machine Learning Engineer?

The highest salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Director is $270,490. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $210,590, with a mid-level salary around $244,990.

7. Why are machine learning engineers paid so much?

Machine learning engineers are highly sought after due to their specialized skills in developing algorithms and models that drive AI applications. Their expertise is critical in various industries, leading to competitive salaries. For instance, a Machine Learning Engineering Director can earn between $210,590 and $270,490, reflecting the high demand and complexity of their work.

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.)

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