How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make?
A Machine Learning Engineer earns an average yearly salary of $186,646. This profession promises competitive compensation across various skill levels and experience. As these engineers become more experienced, they can earn significantly more, with salaries ranging from $77,155 to $306,250 annually. The highest-paid Machine Learning Engineers make well over $250,000 per year.
Breaking down the salary distribution, it shows that a notable portion of Machine Learning Engineers earn between $160,000 and $200,000 per year. This range includes many mid-level professionals. More experienced engineers, those who have been in the field for a number of years, tend to earn more. This reflects the high demand and value placed on their skills in today’s job market. As the field of machine learning continues to grow, so does the earning potential for those who work in it.
What are the highest paying cities for a Machine Learning Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $213,704
Working in San Francisco offers tech professionals vibrant opportunities. Many tech giants, like Google and Salesforce, drive the demand for skilled engineers. This bustling city is at the forefront of innovation.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $197,369
In Seattle, the tech scene thrives with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic work environment. They collaborate on cutting-edge projects, pushing the boundaries of technology.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $187,404
Los Angeles attracts tech talent with its diverse industries. Engineers in this city work on a variety of projects, from entertainment tech to e-commerce solutions. The warm climate also makes for pleasant working conditions.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $180,513
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for tech innovation. Engineers here work alongside industry leaders in companies like Apple and Adobe. This city offers endless opportunities for growth and development.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $176,314
Austin blends a vibrant culture with a strong tech presence. Companies like Dell and IBM are based here. Engineers enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while working on impactful projects.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $175,162
San Diego offers a unique tech scene with beautiful beaches nearby. Engineers in this city work for companies like Qualcomm and Illumina. The city's mild weather makes for a pleasant work environment.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $166,638
Boston is rich in academic and tech talent. Engineers here collaborate with top universities and companies like IBM. This historic city provides a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $166,256
Washington, DC, offers a blend of tech and politics. Engineers work for companies like Google and Palantir. The city's vibrant culture adds to the enriching work experience.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $164,615
Boulder is known for its stunning landscapes and thriving tech community. Engineers here work for startups and established companies. The outdoors offer a perfect balance to the tech-driven lifestyle.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $162,186
Hartford offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Engineers in this city work for companies like Eversource Energy and Global Blue. The city's growing tech scene provides diverse opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Machine Learning Engineer can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $473,917
Netflix is a global entertainment leader. Machine Learning Engineers at Netflix focus on improving recommendation systems. The company operates globally with major hubs in Los Gatos, California, and offices in countries such as Canada and the UK.
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Whatnot
Average Salary: $284,625
Whatnot offers live streaming for collecting and buying items. Machine Learning Engineers here work on enhancing the platform’s user experience. This fast-growing startup operates out of New York City and is expanding its presence in the tech industry.
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SAP
Average Salary: $270,803
SAP is a global enterprise software company. Machine Learning Engineers at SAP develop advanced analytics solutions to support business operations. The company has offices worldwide, including locations in Germany and the United States.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $269,015
Pinterest is a visual discovery engine. Machine Learning Engineers at Pinterest improve search algorithms and personalization features. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and operates globally, with offices in Europe and Asia.
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Snap Inc.
Average Salary: $257,981
Snap Inc. is the parent company of Snapchat. Machine Learning Engineers here create innovative AR experiences. The company is based in Los Angeles, with additional offices in the US and abroad.
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Scale AI
Average Salary: $244,382
Scale AI specializes in machine learning for self-driving cars. Machine Learning Engineers here develop training data and models for autonomous vehicles. The company operates in San Francisco and is expanding its reach.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $238,151
Waymo is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. Machine Learning Engineers at Waymo work on perception and decision-making systems. The company is based in Mountain View, California, and tests in various US cities.
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NVIDIA
Average Salary: $231,367
NVIDIA is a leader in visual computing. Machine Learning Engineers at NVIDIA focus on GPU-accelerated machine learning. The company has a global presence, with headquarters in Santa Clara, California.
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Spotify
Average Salary: $227,117
Spotify is a leading music streaming service. Machine Learning Engineers here enhance music recommendations and user engagement. The company operates in many countries, with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and offices in Europe and the US.
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Samsung Electronics
Average Salary: $225,974
Samsung Electronics is a global technology giant. Machine Learning Engineers at Samsung work on various applications, from consumer electronics to AI. The company is headquartered in Suwon, South Korea, with offices worldwide.
How to earn more as a Machine Learning Engineer?
A career as a Machine Learning Engineer offers many opportunities to increase earnings. Focusing on certain areas can lead to higher salaries and better job prospects. Understanding these factors can help guide career development and negotiations.
Skills and experience make a significant difference. Gaining expertise in popular frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch can set an engineer apart. Continuing education through courses or certifications can also boost earning potential. Networking with industry professionals offers insights and can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Being open to relocation and considering roles in tech hubs can expand job options and salary ranges. Lastly, taking on leadership roles or consulting positions often brings higher compensation.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Skills and Certifications: Advanced skills and certifications in relevant technologies can increase job value.
- Experience: Gaining experience in diverse projects and industries enhances marketability.
- Networking: Building a professional network can uncover hidden job opportunities and salary insights.
- Location: Being in or moving to tech-centric areas often means higher pay and more opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Seeking roles that offer growth, such as leadership or consultancy, can lead to higher earnings.



