What are the main factors that influence a Machine Learning Scientist's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Machine Learning Scientist's salary?

A Machine Learning Scientist's salary grows with experience: an AI Engineer I (0-2 years)earns $100,559, an AI Engineer II (2-4 years)earns $117,709, an Machine Learning Scientist (4-7 years)earns $132,332, an AI Engineer IV (7+ years)earns $171,844, an AI Engineer V (7-10 years)earns $191,174,

What are the highest paying states for a Machine Learning Scientist?

Machine Learning Scientist salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Machine Learning Scientist roles are District of Columbia $131,737, California $131,237, Massachusetts $129,488. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Machine Learning Scientist roles make?

Salaries for Machine Learning Scientist level roles vary by specialization: Machine Learning Researcher: $131,482; Machine Learning Research Scientist: $129,850; Head Of Machine Learning: $127,709; Director Of Machine Learning: $127,018; Machine Learning Analyst: $124,969.

Machine Learning Scientist Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Machine Learning Scientist make in District of Columbia?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Learning Scientist in District of Columbia is $131,737 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $149,816
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $123,179 to $141,200
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $115,388

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Machine Learning Scientist Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$141,200	$11,767	$2,715	$68
Average	$131,737	$10,978	$2,533	$63
25th Percentile	$123,179	$10,265	$2,369	$59

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Key Factors That Influence Machine Learning Scientist Salaries

A Machine Learning Scientist'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 Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Learning Scientist'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:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $100,559
Early Career (1-2 years): $117,709
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $132,332
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $171,844
Expert (over 8 years): $191,174

Levels	Salary
AI Engine... Level Machine Learning Scientist	$100,559
AI Engine... Level Machine Learning Scientist	$117,709
Machine L... Level Machine Learning Scientist	$132,332
AI Engine... Level Machine Learning Scientist	$171,844
AI Engine... Level Machine Learning Scientist	$191,174

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Machine Learning Scientist 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 Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $131,737.
California: $131,237.
Massachusetts: $129,488.

District of Columbia $131,737 California $131,237 Massachusetts $129,488 Washington $129,012 New Jersey $128,965 Alaska $128,798 Connecticut $127,156 New York $126,490

Hawaii $124,360 Rhode Island $123,361 Maryland $122,682 Minnesota $121,754 Colorado $121,397 Illinois $121,278 Oregon $120,826 Delaware $120,493

New Hampshire $120,284 Virginia $119,815 Pennsylvania $118,447 Nevada $117,756 North Dakota $117,530 Michigan $117,173 Wisconsin $117,043 Vermont $116,781

Texas $116,055 Maine $116,007 Arizona $115,936 Ohio $115,853 Georgia $114,758 Indiana $114,211 Wyoming $114,104 Utah $113,937

Iowa $113,866 Kansas $113,295 Louisiana $113,128 North Carolina $113,069 Missouri $113,045 Florida $112,581 Montana $112,331 Nebraska $112,093

Kentucky $111,962 South Carolina $111,486 Tennessee $111,189 Idaho $111,070 New Mexico $110,201 Oklahoma $110,011 Alabama $109,309 South Dakota $108,131

Arkansas $107,488 West Virginia $107,143 Mississippi $106,108

Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Scientists

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:

Parcel Return Service: $131,022
Washington: $131,023
Naval Anacost Annex: $131,017

Parcel Return Service, DC $131,022 Washington, DC $131,023 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $131,017 Washington Navy Yard, DC $131,022

Machine Learning Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Learning Scientist'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 May 01, 2026

$123,179

Average $131,737/year

$141,200

$10,265

Average $10,978/month

$11,767

$2,369

Average $2,533/week

$2,715

$59

Average $63/hour

$68

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$141,200	$11,767	$2,715	$68
Average	$131,737	$10,978	$2,533	$63
25th Percentile	$123,179	$10,265	$2,369	$59

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