Technology Wisconsin (WI) Rank #30 of 50

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median machine learning engineer salary in Wisconsin is $122,360 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $133,000.

Median Salary
$122,360
vs National
$-10,640
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Machine Learning Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for machine learning engineer compensation. Machine Learning Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $122,360 per year, machine learning engineers in Wisconsin earn $10,640 less than the national median of $133,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $122,360 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $133,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: machine learning engineers at the 10th percentile earn $75,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $188,600 — a $113,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $133,000.

Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Wisconsin and beyond.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $80,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,640 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,640
$-15,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $122,360
75th Percentile $154,560
90th Percentile $188,600

Machine Learning Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for machine learning engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonTensorFlow/PyTorchMLOpsStatisticsDeep LearningData Engineering

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Machine Learning Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $54,280 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median machine learning engineer salary in Wisconsin is $122,360 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $133,000. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $188,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,360, a machine learning engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for machine learning engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for machine learning engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level machine learning engineers earn $80,960, while senior professionals earn $176,640.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for machine learning engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machine learning engineers is Hawaii at $219,450. Wisconsin's median of $122,360 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($125,020) and New Mexico ($123,690).
What is the entry-level machine learning engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level machine learning engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $80,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $176,640.
What city in Wisconsin pays machine learning engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for machine learning engineers, with a median salary of $133,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.