As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in California is $174,670 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, a Principal Machine Learning Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal Machine Learning Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $187,160 | $15,597 | $3,599 | $90 |
| Average | $174,670 | $14,556 | $3,359 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $165,590 | $13,799 | $3,184 | $80 |
Metric Geo - Fremont, CA
Metric Geo - Alameda, CA
Metric Geo - San Jose, CA
Metric Geo - San Francisco, CA
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm Engineer II | 2-4 years | $119,642 |
| Senior Algorithm Engineer | 4-7 years | $134,521 |
| Principal Machine Learning Engineer | 7+ years | $174,667 |
| Lead Algorithm Engineer | 7-10 years | $194,331 |
| Algorithm Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $195,149 |
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 Principal Machine Learning Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $187,160 | $15,597 | $3,599 | $90 |
| Average | $174,670 | $14,556 | $3,359 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $165,590 | $13,799 | $3,184 | $80 |
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 $194,400 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Machine Learning Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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