As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in the US is $109,931, 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 San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Machine Learning Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $93,118 to $127,795. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($101,130) and 75th percentile ($119,282), while top earners (90th percentile) make $127,795 per year. This $18,152 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.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Machine Learning Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $93,118 US May 01, 2026
25th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $101,130 US May 01, 2026
50th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $109,931 US May 01, 2026
75th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $119,282 US May 01, 2026
90th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $127,795 US May 01, 2026
25% $101,130 10% $93,118 90% $127,795 75% $119,282 $109,931 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Machine Design Engineer

JMI Recruiting Services, LLC - Cuyahoga Falls, OH

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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

See user submitted job responsibilities for Machine Learning Engineer.

Job Openings for Machine Learning Engineer

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

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

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
101130
119282
109931

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
110665
135756
122601
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 $101,130 to $119,282 with the average base salary of $109,931. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $110,665 to $135,756 with the average total cash compensation of $122,601.

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

101130
119282

 

Jobs with a similar salary range to Machine Learning Engineer : Computer Vision Researcher, Software Administrator, Software Developers