As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in California is $121,259, equivalent to $58 per hour, $2,332 weekly, or $10,105 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 California vary widely, spanning from $102,815 to $140,967. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($111,605) and 75th percentile ($131,575), while top earners (90th percentile) make $140,967 per year. This $19,970 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, California Machine Learning Engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 63 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Machine Learning Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
