As of July 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL is $113,599, equivalent to $55 per hour, $2,185 weekly, or $9,467 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 Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $96,167 to $131,972. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($104,474) and 75th percentile ($123,216), while top earners (90th percentile) make $131,972 per year. This $18,742 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, Chicago Machine Learning Engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Machine Learning Engineer job salary. 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 $96,167 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
25th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $104,474 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
50th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $113,599 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
75th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $123,216 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
90th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $131,972 Chicago, IL July 01, 2026
25% $104,474 10% $96,167 90% $131,972 75% $123,216 $113,599 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

See user submitted job responsibilities for Machine Learning Engineer.

Job Openings for Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL

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

 
 
 
104474
123216
113599

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
114951
141015
127350
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 Chicago, IL. The base salary for Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $104,474 to $123,216 with the average base salary of $113,599. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $114,951 to $141,015 with the average total cash compensation of $127,350.

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

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

104474
123216

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

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Machine Learning Engineer Salary in popular cities: AuroraRockfordJoliet

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