Machine Learning Engineer Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
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Salary

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $209,282 per year in San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $209,282 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $17,440 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $4,025 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $101 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA, enjoys a competitive salary. The average yearly salary is around $209,282. This means that, on average, someone in this role can expect to earn a good living. The salary range can vary, but many Machine Learning Engineers earn between $112,320 and $365,069 per year. This wide range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in the field.

Salary can depend on several factors, such as experience, education, and the specific company. For example, those with more years of experience or advanced degrees may see higher salaries. Companies in tech-heavy areas like San Francisco often offer competitive pay to attract top talent. It's also important to note that salaries can fluctuate based on the company's size and the specific demands of the job. Those who work on advanced projects or contribute significantly to their team can expect to earn more.

Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
View all Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Machine Learning Engineer near San Francisco, CA?

Job seekers for Machine Learning Engineer positions near San Francisco, CA, should look to cities like Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Palo Alto. These areas lead in offering top salaries for this role. Santa Clara tops the list with an average salary of $223,430, followed closely by Mountain View at $221,055 and Palo Alto at $219,274. Each of these cities provides a strong environment for tech companies, making them prime locations for high-paying Machine Learning Engineer jobs. The competitive salaries reflect the demand for skilled professionals in these hubs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Machine Learning Engineer jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Santa Clara, CA with the highest at $223,430 and Oakland, CA with the lowest at $169,688.

  1. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $223,430
    In Santa Clara, tech giants such as Intel and Applied Materials offer exciting opportunities for tech-savvy professionals. The city's thriving tech ecosystem means plenty of chances to work on innovative projects. The average salary for Machine Learning Engineers is competitive.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  2. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $221,055
    Mountain View is home to Google, where Machine Learning Engineers can make a big impact. The city's tech-focused environment encourages continuous learning and growth. With its innovative spirit, Mountain View offers a dynamic workplace for those in the field.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  3. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $219,274
    Palo Alto hosts several prominent tech companies, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise. It's a great place for Machine Learning Engineers to advance their careers. The city's vibrant tech culture provides a stimulating environment for professionals.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $212,864
    Redwood City is known for its tech companies, such as GitHub. Machine Learning Engineers here can find rewarding positions. The city's welcoming atmosphere makes it an attractive place for tech professionals.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Redwood City, CA


  5. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $207,051
    San Mateo is a hub for tech innovation with companies like Box. It's an excellent place for Machine Learning Engineers to thrive. The city offers a balanced work-life environment, making it ideal for tech enthusiasts.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Mateo, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $201,713
    Sunnyvale is a hotspot for tech jobs, with companies like Adobe and eBay. Machine Learning Engineers here can work on cutting-edge projects. The city's vibrant community makes it a great place to live and work.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $193,145
    Menlo Park is famous for its tech companies, including Facebook. Machine Learning Engineers can find plenty of opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects. The city's lively tech scene is perfect for career growth.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $177,580
    San Jose is a major tech center, home to companies like Cisco and VMware. It offers diverse opportunities for Machine Learning Engineers. The city's fast-paced environment encourages innovation and professional development.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Daly City, CA
    Average Salary: $177,500
    Daly City is becoming a tech hub, with companies like Exela Technologies. Machine Learning Engineers here can expect a supportive work culture. The city's growing tech industry provides a promising career path.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Daly City, CA


  10. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $169,688
    Oakland has a dynamic tech scene with companies like Cloudera. Machine Learning Engineers can find interesting projects here. The city's diverse community adds to its vibrant work environment.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA?

Companies like OpenAI and Genentech offer top-tier salaries for Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco. With average pay around $410,000 and $269,000 respectively, these organizations provide strong career growth. Discord and other companies also offer competitive salaries, making the area a prime destination for tech talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $410,250 and Waymo with the lowest at $235,350.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $410,250
    OpenAI offers challenging Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company focuses on developing AI safely and beneficially. Employees have opportunities to innovate in a cutting-edge environment.


  2. Genentech
    Average Salary: $269,476
    Genentech offers rewarding Machine Learning Engineer positions in South San Francisco. The company works at the forefront of biotechnology. Employees use machine learning to enhance research and development.


  3. Discord
    Average Salary: $265,044
    Discord provides exciting Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company creates a platform for communication. Employees apply machine learning to improve user experience and platform functionality.


  4. Whatnot
    Average Salary: $265,000
    Whatnot offers competitive Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company focuses on live shopping technology. Employees use machine learning to enhance product discovery and user engagement.


  5. Quizlet
    Average Salary: $261,617
    Quizlet offers Machine Learning Engineer positions in San Francisco. The company provides educational tools. Employees develop machine learning models to personalize learning experiences.


  6. Unity Technologies
    Average Salary: $247,733
    Unity Technologies offers engaging Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company develops game engines. Employees create AI solutions to improve game development and player experience.


  7. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $245,269
    Pinterest provides promising Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company offers a visual discovery platform. Employees use machine learning to enhance content discovery and recommendation systems.


  8. The Walt Disney Company
    Average Salary: $242,380
    The Walt Disney Company offers Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company creates entertainment content. Employees use machine learning for data analysis and improving content personalization.


  9. Scale AI
    Average Salary: $235,733
    Scale AI provides Machine Learning Engineer roles in San Francisco. The company works on building AI models. Employees develop models for computer vision and natural language processing.


  10. Waymo
    Average Salary: $235,350
    Waymo offers innovative Machine Learning Engineer positions in San Francisco. The company focuses on autonomous driving. Employees develop algorithms to improve autonomous vehicle technology.

Currently 336 Machine Learning Engineer job openings, nationwide.

View Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

How's the job market for a Machine Learning Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Machine Learning Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Machine Learning Engineer today.
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Machine Learning Engineer
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