Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary in 2026
Develop algorithms and systems that enable computers to understand and process human language.
Median Salary
$140,000
$11,667/mo
Entry Level
$95,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$195,000
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
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)
18K
5-Year Growth
+18%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$67.31/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,667
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
$161,000
$13,417/month · $6,192/biweekly · $77.40/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 $95,000, while the top 10% earn $217,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Natural Language Processing Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $165,000 | +$25,000 |
| New York | $161,000 | +$21,000 |
| Washington | $157,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $157,000 | +$17,000 |
| Texas | $137,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Natural Language Processing Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $175,000 | +$35,000 |
| New York | $165,000 | +$25,000 |
| Seattle | $160,000 | +$20,000 |
| Boston | $157,000 | +$17,000 |
| Austin | $144,000 | +$4,000 |
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.
$95,000
0-2 years
$145,000
3-7 years
$195,000
8-14 years
$240,000
15+ years
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Natural Language Processing Engineer Salary FAQ
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