As of October 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA is $137,127, equivalent to $66 per hour, $2,637 weekly, or $11,427 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 San Francisco, CA vary widely, spanning from $116,124 to $159,392. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($126,133) and 75th percentile ($148,781), while top earners (90th percentile) make $159,392 per year. This $22,648 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 Francisco Machine Learning Engineer often earn 13.1% higher than national averages. However, San Francisco currently ranks 3 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 $116,124 San Francisco, CA October 01, 2026
25th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $126,133 San Francisco, CA October 01, 2026
50th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $137,127 San Francisco, CA October 01, 2026
75th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $148,781 San Francisco, CA October 01, 2026
90th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $159,392 San Francisco, CA October 01, 2026
25% $126,133 10% $116,124 90% $159,392 75% $148,781 $137,127 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, California

Machine Learning Engineer

Nudge - San Francisco, CA

Machine Learning Engineer - Infrastructure

Transparent Search Group - San Francisco, CA

Machine Learning Engineer

Watney - San Francisco, CA

Staff Machine Learning Engineer

Sonatus - San Francisco, CA

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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 San Francisco, CA

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

 
 
 
126133
148781
137127

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
139831
171538
154914
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 San Francisco, CA. The base salary for Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $126,133 to $148,781 with the average base salary of $137,127. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $139,831 to $171,538 with the average total cash compensation of $154,914.

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.

126133
148781

 

About San Francisco, California    San Francisco is located on the West Coast of the United States at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of ....More

San Francisco, California  area prices were up 4.5% from a year ago

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in popular cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose

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