As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in San Diego, CA is $118,995, equivalent to $57 per hour, $2,288 weekly, or $9,916 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 San Diego, CA vary widely, spanning from $100,895 to $138,334. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($109,521) and 75th percentile ($129,118), while top earners (90th percentile) make $138,334 per year. This $19,597 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, San Diego Machine Learning Engineer often earn 1.9% higher than national averages. However, San Diego currently ranks 135 statewide for Machine Learning Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
