How Much Does a Machine Learning Engineer Make in the United States ? (2026 Salary Guide)

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in the United States

As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in the US is $109,934, equivalent to $53 per hour, $2,114 weekly, or $9,161 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Machine Learning Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Machine Learning Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $93,216 to $127,869. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($101,183) and 75th percentile ($119,322), while top earners (90th percentile) make $127,869 per year. This $18,139 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Machine Learning Engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 63 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

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Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
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Machine Learning Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $93,216 US March 01, 2026
25th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $101,183 US March 01, 2026
50th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $109,934 US March 01, 2026
75th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $119,322 US March 01, 2026
90th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $127,869 US March 01, 2026
25% $101,183 10% $93,216 90% $127,869 75% $119,322 $109,934 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Machine Learning Engineer ?

Machine learning (ML) is the scientific study of algorithms and statistical models that computer systems use to effectively perform a specific task without using explicit instructions, relying on patterns and inference instead. It is seen as a subset of artificial intelligence. Machine learning algorithms build a mathematical model of sample data, known as "training data", in order to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to perform the task.:2 Machine learning algorithms are used in a wide variety of applications, such as email filtering, and computer vision, where...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/25/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Machine Learning Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Machine Learning Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
101183
119322
109934

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
110102
135066
121978
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Machine Learning Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $101,183 to $119,322 with the average base salary of $109,934. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $110,102 to $135,066 with the average total cash compensation of $121,978.

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101183
119322

 

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