Machine Learning Engineer Salary in 2026
Machine learning engineers design and deploy ML models at scale, building data pipelines and inference systems. They bridge research and production to deliver AI-powered features.
Median Salary
$144,000
$12,000/mo
Entry Level
$97,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$204,000
experienced
Job Growth
+40%
10-yr outlook
Machine Learning Engineer Overview
Machine learning engineers design and deploy ML models at scale, building data pipelines and inference systems. They bridge research and production to deliver AI-powered features.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
85K
5-Year Growth
+33%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$69.23/hr
Monthly Pay
$12,000
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Machine Learning Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Machine Learning Engineer Salary
$168,000
$14,000/month · $6,462/biweekly · $80.77/hr
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Machine Learning Engineer field.
Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers earn around $97,000, while the top 10% earn $229,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Machine Learning Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $170,000 | +$26,000 |
| New York | $166,000 | +$22,000 |
| Washington | $161,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $161,000 | +$17,000 |
| Texas | $141,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Machine Learning Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $180,000 | +$36,000 |
| New York | $170,000 | +$26,000 |
| Seattle | $164,000 | +$20,000 |
| Boston | $161,000 | +$17,000 |
| Austin | $148,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Machine Learning Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Machine Learning Engineer from entry level to expert.
$97,000
0-2 years
$151,000
3-7 years
$204,000
8-14 years
$255,000
15+ years
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Machine Learning Engineer Salary FAQ
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