How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make?
Machine Learning Engineers earn a competitive salary. On average, they make about $176,899 per year. This field offers a range of salaries, depending on experience and location. The lowest 10% earn around $60,000, while the top 10% can make over $293,000.
Factors that influence salary include the industry, company size, and specific skills. For example, those working in tech hubs like Silicon Valley often earn more. Experience also plays a big role. Entry-level positions may start lower, but salaries grow with more experience. Companies in finance, healthcare, and technology tend to offer higher salaries. This makes the field attractive for those with the right skills and experience.
What are the highest paying cities for a Machine Learning Engineer?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $207,295
In San Francisco, tech giants like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant tech scene provides a dynamic environment for innovation.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $197,403
Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft. Working here means being part of a cutting-edge industry. The city's tech-friendly culture supports professional growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $185,912
Los Angeles has a growing tech sector with companies like Uber and Airbnb. The city offers a mix of urban living and tech innovation. It's a great place to build a career in tech.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $174,972
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for tech companies like Apple and Intel. The city offers many opportunities for those in the tech field. It's a place where innovation thrives.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $170,430
San Diego is a growing tech center with companies like Qualcomm and Illumina. The city offers a blend of beach life and tech opportunities. It's an ideal place to work in tech.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $164,800
Boulder offers a unique mix of tech and nature. Companies like Google and Facebook have a presence here. The city's outdoor lifestyle complements its tech opportunities.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $160,842
Austin is known for its vibrant tech scene and companies like Dell and IBM. The city offers a lively atmosphere and many tech job opportunities. It's a great place for tech professionals.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Austin, TX
-
Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $159,845
Hartford has a growing tech industry with companies like Eversource and United Technologies. The city offers a mix of tech opportunities and a lower cost of living.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $157,023
Denver is a tech hub with companies like Lockheed Martin and Oracle. The city offers a mix of urban living and outdoor activities. It's a great place to work in tech.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Denver, CO
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $156,824
Washington, DC, is a center for tech and government with companies like Amazon and Google. The city offers a mix of professional opportunities and cultural experiences. It's an ideal place for tech careers.
Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Washington, DC
What are the best companies a Machine Learning Engineer can work for?

-
Netflix
Average Salary: $412,545
Netflix offers exciting opportunities for Machine Learning Engineers. They work on projects that improve user experience and content recommendation systems. Netflix operates globally, with major offices in Los Gatos, California, and international offices in countries like the UK, Canada, and India.
-
Pinterest
Average Salary: $258,638
At Pinterest, Machine Learning Engineers develop algorithms to enhance the user experience. They focus on improving search and content personalization. Pinterest has offices in San Francisco, California, and other locations like New York, Seattle, and London.
-
Zoox
Average Salary: $249,364
Zoox, a self-driving car company, seeks Machine Learning Engineers to work on autonomous vehicle technology. They develop algorithms for perception, prediction, and control. Zoox operates in Foster City, California.
-
Snap Inc.
Average Salary: $243,900
Snap Inc. offers roles for Machine Learning Engineers to create innovative features for Snapchat. They work on improving augmented reality and visual search capabilities. Snap Inc. is based in Los Angeles, California.
-
Angi
Average Salary: $242,969
Angi provides opportunities for Machine Learning Engineers to enhance their home services platform. They focus on improving search algorithms and user recommendations. Angi operates in Denver, Colorado.
-
Samsung Electronics
Average Salary: $237,177
Samsung Electronics offers roles for Machine Learning Engineers to develop AI solutions for various products. They work on improving smart home devices and consumer electronics. Samsung has offices worldwide, including in South Korea and the United States.
-
Waymo
Average Salary: $233,329
Waymo, a self-driving car company, seeks Machine Learning Engineers to advance autonomous vehicle technology. They work on perception, prediction, and control systems. Waymo operates in Mountain View, California.
-
Coupang
Average Salary: $230,493
Coupang offers roles for Machine Learning Engineers to improve their e-commerce platform. They focus on enhancing recommendation systems and logistics. Coupang operates in Seoul, South Korea, and other locations.
-
The Walt Disney Company
Average Salary: $228,558
The Walt Disney Company provides opportunities for Machine Learning Engineers to enhance their entertainment services. They work on improving content recommendation and streaming algorithms. Disney operates in Burbank, California.
-
Atlassian
Average Salary: $223,659
Atlassian offers roles for Machine Learning Engineers to develop AI solutions for their software products. They focus on improving collaboration tools and project management. Atlassian has offices in Sydney, Australia, and other locations.
How to earn more as a Machine Learning Engineer?
A Machine Learning Engineer can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a specific domain, such as natural language processing or computer vision, can make a candidate more valuable. Employers often seek experts who can solve complex problems in their field. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and tools also enhance a candidate's marketability. Attending workshops, webinars, and obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
Networking and building a strong professional presence can also lead to higher earnings. Engaging with the community through forums, conferences, and social media can open doors to new opportunities. Collaborating with other professionals and contributing to open-source projects can showcase skills and dedication. Lastly, gaining experience in multiple industries can provide a broader skill set and make a candidate more versatile. This versatility often translates into higher salary offers and more job security.
Here are five factors that can help a Machine Learning Engineer earn more:
- Specialize in a specific area of machine learning.
- Stay updated with the latest technologies and tools.
- Network and build a strong professional presence.
- Gain experience in multiple industries.
- Continuously learn and obtain relevant certifications.