Technology Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median machine learning engineer salary in Denver, CO is $159,600 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$159,600
vs State Avg
+$9,310
vs National
+$26,600
Cost of Living
112%

Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $159,600, which is $9,310 above the Colorado state average of $150,290. Compared to the national median of $133,000, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $159,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $142,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machine learning engineers in Denver spans from $98,400 at the 10th percentile to $246,000 at the 90th percentile — a $147,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $105,600, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $230,400. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $105,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $230,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,600
+$17,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,000
+$27,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$230,400
+$38,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $98,400
25th Percentile $129,600
Median (50th) $159,600
75th Percentile $201,600
90th Percentile $246,000

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Denver

Education

Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonTensorFlow/PyTorchMLOpsStatisticsDeep LearningData Engineering

Job Outlook

Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Denver

Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Denver

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median machine learning engineer salary in Denver, Colorado is $159,600 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $133,000. Salaries range from $98,400 (10th percentile) to $246,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,600, a machine learning engineer in Denver earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for machine learning engineer pay? ▼
Denver's median machine learning engineer salary of $159,600 is 6.2% above the Colorado state average of $150,290. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a machine learning engineer salary of $159,600 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machine learning engineer in Denver? ▼
Most machine learning engineer positions in Denver require a master's degree. Key skills include Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, MLOps, Statistics. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.