As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA is $137,299, equivalent to $66 per hour, $2,640 weekly, or $11,442 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 Francisco, CA vary widely, spanning from $116,415 to $159,614. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($126,368) and 75th percentile ($148,979), while top earners (90th percentile) make $159,614 per year. This $22,611 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 13.2% higher than national averages. However, San Francisco currently ranks 5 statewide for Machine Learning Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.