Technology

Machine Learning Engineer Salary

Machine learning engineers design and implement ML systems, train models, and deploy AI solutions that enable automation and intelligent decision-making at scale.

Median Salary
$133,000
Mean Salary
$138,500
Total Employed
68,200
Job Growth
+40%

Machine Learning Engineer Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level machine learning engineers earn around $88,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $135,000. Senior-level machine learning engineers can earn $192,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for machine learning engineers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $82,000, while the top 10% earn $205,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $82,000
25th Percentile $108,000
50th Percentile (Median) $133,000
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $205,000

Machine Learning Engineer Salary by State

Machine Learning Engineer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $219,450, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $99,750.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $219,450 Details →
#2 California $203,490 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $192,850 Details →
#4 New York $175,560 Details →
#5 Washington $168,910 Details →
#6 Alaska $160,930 Details →
#7 New Jersey $160,930 Details →
#8 Maryland $154,280 Details →
#9 Oregon $154,280 Details →
#10 Connecticut $152,950 Details →
#11 Colorado $150,290 Details →
#12 Virginia $148,960 Details →
#13 New Hampshire $142,310 Details →
#14 Rhode Island $140,980 Details →
#15 Utah $135,660 Details →
#16 Delaware $134,330 Details →
#17 Florida $133,000 Details →
#18 Illinois $133,000 Details →
#19 Minnesota $133,000 Details →
#20 Arizona $131,670 Details →
#21 Nevada $131,670 Details →
#22 Pennsylvania $130,340 Details →
#23 Texas $130,340 Details →
#24 Vermont $130,340 Details →
#25 Georgia $127,680 Details →
#26 North Carolina $127,680 Details →
#27 Maine $126,350 Details →
#28 Idaho $125,020 Details →
#29 New Mexico $123,690 Details →
#30 Wisconsin $122,360 Details →
#31 Montana $121,030 Details →
#32 Michigan $119,700 Details →
#33 Ohio $119,700 Details →
#34 Tennessee $118,370 Details →
#35 Indiana $117,040 Details →
#36 Missouri $117,040 Details →
#37 Nebraska $117,040 Details →
#38 Louisiana $115,710 Details →
#39 South Carolina $115,710 Details →
#40 Iowa $114,380 Details →
#41 North Dakota $114,380 Details →
#42 Wyoming $114,380 Details →
#43 Kansas $111,720 Details →
#44 Kentucky $110,390 Details →
#45 South Dakota $110,390 Details →
#46 Alabama $109,060 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $109,060 Details →
#48 Arkansas $103,740 Details →
#49 West Virginia $101,080 Details →
#50 Mississippi $99,750 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Design and train machine learning models for production use
  • ● Build data pipelines and feature engineering workflows
  • ● Deploy ML models using containerization and serving frameworks
  • ● Monitor model performance and retrain as needed
  • ● Research and implement state-of-the-art ML techniques

Top Skills

Python TensorFlow/PyTorch MLOps Statistics Deep Learning Data Engineering

Education Required

Master's degree

Job Outlook

Much faster than average — projected 40% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Learning Engineer Salaries

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make per year? ▼
The median machine learning engineer salary in the United States is $133,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $88,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $192,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $138,500.
How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $133,000 per year, a machine learning engineer earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for machine learning engineers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for machine learning engineers, with a median salary of $219,450. Other top-paying states include California ($203,490) and Massachusetts ($192,850).
What education do you need to become a machine learning engineer? ▼
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Key skills include Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, MLOps, Statistics. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for machine learning engineers? ▼
Employment for machine learning engineers is projected to grow 40% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. There are currently 68,200 machine learning engineers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level machine learning engineer make? ▼
An entry-level machine learning engineer with 0-2 years of experience earns around $88,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $135,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $82,000, while the top 10% earn $205,000.