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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in the United States is $158,360 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $180,196
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,400 to $169,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,153
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View as table View as graph 25% $150,400 10% $143,153 90% $180,196 75% $169,790 $158,360 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,790 $14,149 $3,265 $82
Average $158,360 $13,197 $3,045 $76
25th Percentile $150,400 $12,533 $2,892 $72
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Key Factors That Influence Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salaries

A Principal Machine Learning Engineer'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 Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Machine Learning Engineer'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:

  • Algorithm Engineer II (2-4 years): $108,472
  • Senior Algorithm Engineer (4-7 years): $121,920
  • Principal Machine Learning Engineer (7+ years): $158,359
  • Lead Algorithm Engineer (7-10 years): $176,142
  • Algorithm Engineering Manager (10+ years): $176,932
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Algorithm Engineer II2-4 years$108,472
Senior Algorithm Engineer4-7 years$121,920
Principal Machine Learning Engineer7+ years$158,359
Lead Algorithm Engineer7-10 years$176,142
Algorithm Engineering Manager10+ years$176,932
$108,472 Algorithm...
$121,920 Senior Al...
$158,359 Principal...
$176,142 Lead Algo...
$176,932 Algorithm...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Principal Machine Learning Engineers

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: $199,740
  • San Francisco: $197,560
  • Oakland: $193,390

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Insight (Mentioned in 3.42% Job Postings): Insight is the understanding cause and effect based on the identification of relationships and behaviors within a model, context, or scenario.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.85% 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.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 2.14% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Insight 3.42%
Computer Science 3.85%
Economics 2.14%
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 Principal Machine Learning Engineer's salary.
  • Research Design: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Inference: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Research Design
$169,445
7%
Commitment
$167,862
6%
Inference
$167,862
6%
Continuous Learning
$166,278
5%
Empowerment
$166,278
5%
Initiative
$164,694
4%
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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Principal Machine Learning Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $177,124. While startup companies pay approximate $149,794.

Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$149,794
Growth Stage51~500$158,431
Established501~5000$171,047
Enterprise5000+$177,124

Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Principal Machine Learning Engineer 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, Principal Machine Learning Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Machine Learning Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$197,950$95.025%
Internet$190,032$91.020%
Energy & Utilities$182,114$88.015%
Aerospace & Defense$174,196$84.010%
Financial Services$174,196$84.010%

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

Understanding how a Principal Machine Learning Engineer'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, 2026

Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, 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 $176,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Salaries for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,474 in 2023 to around $147,353 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Machine Learning Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Principal Machine Learning Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$150,474
2024
$149,773
2025
$147,353
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $150,474
2024 $149,773
2025 $147,353
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Principal Machine Learning Engineer

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FAQ about Principal Machine Learning Engineer

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Principal Machine Learning Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. How much do principal engineers make in the US?

The estimated total pay for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in the US ranges from $140,010 to $178,950 per year, with a mid-salary of $159,590. These figures reflect the typical salary range based on industry data and provide a clear picture of compensation for this role.

3. How much does a principal machine learning engineer make in the US?

In the US, Principal Machine Learning Engineers earn between $140,010 and $178,950 annually, with a median salary of $159,590. While some sources report salaries as high as $212,500, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.

4. What is a principal machine learning engineer?

A Principal Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing advanced machine learning algorithms and training complex models. This role involves collaboration with product, engineering, and analytics teams to integrate AI functionalities into products and services. The salary for this position ranges from $140,010 to $178,950, with a midpoint of $159,590.

5. Is principal engineer a high position?

Yes, principal engineers hold higher-level positions compared to senior engineers. They typically command significant salaries, with a minimum of $140,010, a mid-range of $159,590, and a maximum of $178,950. This reflects their advanced expertise and leadership responsibilities within the engineering field.

6. What is the salary of principal machine learning engineer in Google?

The salary for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer at Google typically ranges from $140,010 to $178,950, with a mid-point salary of $159,590. This position is among the top-paying roles in the field, reflecting the high demand for expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

7. How much do Faang machine learning engineers make?

FAANG machine learning engineers typically earn significantly more than the average salaries for Principal Machine Learning Engineers. While the average base pay at companies like Amazon is around $222,559, Netflix at $186,848, and Google at $284,275, the salary range for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer is between $140,010 and $178,950, with a mid-salary of $159,590.

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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