Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Columbia, Missouri
The median machine learning engineer salary in Columbia, MO is $117,040 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $117,040, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $117,040. Compared to the national median of $133,000, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $117,040 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $133,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for machine learning engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for machine learning engineers in Columbia spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $180,400 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,440, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,960. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $77,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $117,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,400 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Columbia
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Columbia
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Columbia, MO: