Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary in 2026
Develop algorithms and systems that enable computers to understand and process human language.
Median Salary
$135,980
$11,332/mo
Entry Level
$92,300
starting pay
Senior Level
$189,400
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Software Developers (SOC 15-1252, the closest published occupation to Natural Language Processing Engineer) at a national median of $135,980 per year (mean $148,100), or $65.38 per hour, with 1,687,890 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Natural Language Processing Engineer Overview
Develop algorithms and systems that enable computers to understand and process human language.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
1.7M
5-Year Growth
+18%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$65.38/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,332
Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Natural Language Processing Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary
$156,000
$13,000/month · $6,000/biweekly · $75.00/hr
Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Natural Language Processing Engineer field.
Entry-level Natural Language Processing Engineers earn around $92,300, while the top 10% earn $211,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Natural Language Processing Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $160,000 | +$24,020 |
| New York | $156,000 | +$20,020 |
| Washington | $152,000 | +$16,020 |
| Massachusetts | $152,000 | +$16,020 |
| Texas | $133,000 | $-2,980 |
Top Paying Cities for Natural Language Processing Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San FranciscoBLS metro | $186,640 | +$50,660 |
| SeattleBLS metro | $167,280 | +$31,300 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $166,830 | +$30,850 |
| BostonBLS metro | $166,090 | +$30,110 |
| AustinBLS metro | $134,120 | $-1,860 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Software Developers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Natural Language Processing Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Natural Language Processing Engineer from entry level to expert.
$92,300
0-2 years
$141,000
3-7 years
$189,400
8-14 years
$233,100
15+ years
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Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Natural Language Processing Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Natural Language Processing Engineer in the United States is $135,980 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Software Developers (SOC 15-1252); the mean is $148,100. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $92,300, senior professionals around $189,400, and top earners at $233,100 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Natural Language Processing Engineer?
A Natural Language Processing Engineer typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Python, Transformers, spaCy. Relevant certifications such as NLP Specialization Certificate can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Natural Language Processing Engineers?
The job market for Natural Language Processing Engineers is projected to grow by 35% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 1.7M Natural Language Processing Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 18%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Natural Language Processing Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Natural Language Processing Engineers include California, Washington, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $160,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Natural Language Processing Engineer salary?
To increase your Natural Language Processing Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Python and Transformers. Pursue certifications such as NLP Specialization Certificate. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $92,300 to $189,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary
How we calculate Natural Language Processing Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Software Developers (SOC 15-1252), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $135,980, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Software Developers; BLS mean $148,100; BLS hourly median $65.38.
- Entry-level ($92,300) and senior-level ($189,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +35% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 1,687,890 Software Developers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 18% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $135,980; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Natural Language Processing Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Natural Language Processing Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Natural Language Processing Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Python, Transformers, spaCy), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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