As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Research Engineer in California is $139,173 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Machine Learning Research Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machine Learning Research Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $151,056 | $12,588 | $2,905 | $73 |
| Average | $139,173 | $11,598 | $2,676 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,185 | $10,682 | $2,465 | $62 |
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A Machine Learning Research 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 Machine Learning Research 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Machine Learning Research Engineer | $87,753 |
| Software ... Level Machine Learning Research Engineer | $112,930 |
| Machine L... Level Machine Learning Research Engineer | $138,299 |
| Software ... Level Machine Learning Research Engineer | $160,007 |
| Software ... Level Machine Learning Research Engineer | $183,938 |
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 Research 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:
For Machine Learning Research Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 14% above the average. In contrast, Machine Learning Research Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Learning Research Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $158,657 | $76.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $155,874 | $75.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $154,482 | $74.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $153,091 | $74.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $151,699 | $73.0 | 9% |
Understanding how a Machine Learning Research 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 | $151,056 | $12,588 | $2,905 | $73 |
| Average | $139,173 | $11,598 | $2,676 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,185 | $10,682 | $2,465 | $62 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Learning Research Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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