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Machine Learning Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager in the United States is $176,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $199,151
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $163,190 to $188,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $150,626
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Engineering Manager Salaries

A Machine Learning Engineering Manager'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 Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Learning Engineering Manager'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
  • Machine Learning Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,936
  • Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $198,965
  • Algorithm 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
Machine Learning Engineering Manager10+ years$176,936
Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$198,965
Algorithm Engineering Director10+ years$228,215
View as Graph

How Do Machine Learning Engineering Manager 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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $195,990.
  • California: $195,190.
  • Massachusetts: $192,590.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineering Managers

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: $223,190
  • San Francisco: $220,790
  • Oakland: $216,090

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

Machine Learning Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $197,794. While startup companies pay approximate $167,313.

Machine Learning Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $167,313
Growth Stage 51~500 $176,951
Established 501~5000 $190,995
Enterprise 5000+ $197,794

Machine Learning Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Learning Engineering Manager 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 Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Engineering Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$212,388$102.020%
Internet$208,848$100.018%
Financial Services$203,538$98.015%
Pharmaceuticals$203,538$98.015%
Aerospace & Defense$194,689$94.010%

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

Understanding how a Machine Learning Engineering Manager'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
$163,190
Average $176,990/year
$188,590
$13,599
Average $14,749/month
$15,716
$3,138
Average $3,404/week
$3,627
$78
Average $85/hour
$91
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $188,590 $15,716 $3,627 $91
Average $176,990 $14,749 $3,404 $85
25th Percentile $163,190 $13,599 $3,138 $78

Machine Learning Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Machine Learning Engineering Manager

Next Role

Advancement

For a Machine Learning Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Algorithm Engineering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $199,000 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Machine Learning Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for Machine Learning Engineering Manager

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

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FAQ about Machine Learning Engineering Manager

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Learning Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the maximum salary of Machine Learning Engineer?

The maximum salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager is $212,790. Typically, salaries in this field range from a minimum of $167,490 to a mid-level of $191,890, reflecting the high demand and specialized skills required in machine learning and AI roles.

3. How much do engineering managers make in the US?

How Much Does a Machine Learning Engineering Manager Make in the US? The average salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager in the US ranges from $167,490 to $212,790, with a mid-salary of $191,890. Additional cash compensation may vary, contributing to a competitive total compensation package.

4. How much do meta machine learning managers make?

Machine Learning Engineering Managers at Meta earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $167,490, a mid-range salary of $191,890, and a maximum of $212,790 annually. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field, positioning these roles among the top earners in the tech industry.

5. How much does a Microsoft AI manager earn?

The salary for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager typically ranges from USD $167,490 to $212,790 per year, with a midpoint of $191,890. This range may vary based on specific work locations, such as the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area.

6. Which IT job is the highest paid?

One of the highest-paid IT jobs is that of a Machine Learning Engineering Manager. According to recent salary data, the minimum salary for this role is $167,490, with a mid-range salary of $191,890 and a maximum salary reaching $212,790. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field of machine learning.

7. Is BDM higher than sales manager?

Business Development Managers (BDMs) typically earn between $167,490 and $212,790, with a median salary of $191,890. In comparison, Sales Managers generally have lower salaries. BDMs focus on growth opportunities and partnerships, while Sales Managers concentrate on revenue generation. Thus, BDMs often have higher earning potential than Sales Managers.

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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