The average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in the US is $150,000 per year.
Machine Learning Engineers design, build, and deploy intelligent systems that learn from data. In the US, this role is in high demand across technology companies, startups, finance, healthcare, and research organizations. Salaries vary based on technical depth, AI specialization, and system deployment responsibility. Professionals who can move models from research to production environments often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Machine Learning Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $150,000 |
| Median Salary | $145,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $105,000 |
| Highest Salary | $220,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Machine Learning Engineer
Gender pay differences for Machine Learning Engineers in the US are influenced by specialization, years of experience, and company size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $154,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $146,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $150,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay gaps tend to narrow in organizations where compensation is directly tied to technical contribution and project impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in the US typically earn around $105,000 per year. These roles focus on supporting model development, running experiments, and preparing datasets. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Strong foundations in Python and statistics are essential for growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Machine Learning Engineers usually earn between $130,000 and $175,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design models, optimize algorithms, and deploy ML systems into production. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Experience with cloud ML tools and scalable systems often leads to faster salary progression.
Senior Level
Senior Machine Learning Engineers earn $190,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $220,000 in large US technology organizations. These professionals architect AI systems, lead research initiatives, and mentor engineering teams. Compensation reflects responsibility for high-impact intelligent systems.
Certifications for Machine Learning Engineer
- Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty
- Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate
- TensorFlow Developer Certificate
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Python and advanced programming
- Machine learning algorithms
- Deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Model deployment and MLOps
- Data preprocessing and feature engineering
- Cloud AI services (AWS, GCP, Azure)
Best-paying cities for Machine Learning Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($150,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $177,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $165,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $160,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $155,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $144,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $136,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $135,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $151,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $140,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location- and experience-based salary data to define a reasonable target range instead of relying on a single national average. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates can demonstrate how their ML systems improved automation, prediction accuracy, or business outcomes. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles at once creates leverage and helps candidates avoid accepting the first offer below their expectations.
Future Outlook for Machine Learning Engineer Compensation
Demand for Machine Learning Engineers continues to rise as organizations invest in AI and automation. Professionals with expertise in deep learning, cloud deployment, and scalable ML systems are expected to remain among the highest-paid technical roles in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $140,000 a good salary for a Machine Learning Engineer?
Yes, $140,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on location and specialization.
Can Machine Learning Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior ML Engineers and specialists in large technology companies can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do AI certifications increase Machine Learning Engineer salary?
Yes, certifications in cloud AI and machine learning platforms can improve earning potential.
Are remote Machine Learning Engineer roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote and hybrid ML engineering positions.
Which industries pay Machine Learning Engineers the most?
Technology, fintech, AI startups, and research-driven companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Machine Learning Engineer?
It usually takes 6–10 years of experience in machine learning or software engineering roles.
Is Machine Learning Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, as AI adoption grows across industries, demand for Machine Learning Engineers remains strong and stable.
