As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CA is $138,663, equivalent to $67 per hour, $2,667 weekly, or $11,555 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 Jose, CA vary widely, spanning from $117,720 to $161,486. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($127,701) and 75th percentile ($150,609), while top earners (90th percentile) make $161,486 per year. This $22,908 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 Jose Machine Learning Engineer often earn 14.4% higher than national averages. However, San Jose currently ranks 2 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 $117,720 San Jose, CA January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $127,701 San Jose, CA January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $138,663 San Jose, CA January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $150,609 San Jose, CA January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Machine Learning Engineer Salary $161,486 San Jose, CA January 01, 2026
25% $127,701 10% $117,720 90% $161,486 75% $150,609 $138,663 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 San Jose, 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

 
 
 
127701
150609
138663

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
138155
169480
153055
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 Jose, CA. The base salary for Machine Learning Engineer ranges from $127,701 to $150,609 with the average base salary of $138,663. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $138,155 to $169,480 with the average total cash compensation of $153,055.

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.

127701
150609

 

About San Jose, California    San Jose is located at 37°20′07″N 121°53′31″W / 37.335278°N 121.891944°W / 37.335278; -121.891944. According to the United States Census Bureau, th....More

San Jose, California  area prices were up 2.9% from a year ago

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in popular cities: Los AngelesSan DiegoSan Francisco

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