How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make?
A Machine Learning Engineer finds rewarding opportunities in the job market, with competitive salaries that reflect the specialized skills they bring to the table. The average yearly salary for this role stands at $188,752. This figure varies across different experience levels and industries. Engineers at the start of their careers can expect to earn around $80,000 annually. As they gain experience, their salaries can rise significantly.
The salary range for Machine Learning Engineers varies widely. Entry-level positions start at approximately $80,000 per year. As experience grows, so do the earning potentials. Engineers with a few years of experience might earn between $119,845 and $139,768 annually. At the mid-career stage, salaries often exceed $159,691 per year. Seasoned professionals in the field can earn upwards of $239,382 annually. These numbers reflect the high demand and the value placed on expertise in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Machine Learning Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $210,431
Working in tech is vibrant in San Francisco. The city boasts many tech giants. Apple, Google, and Salesforce offer excellent opportunities for growth. The tech community thrives on innovation and collaboration.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $197,616
Seattle stands out as a hub for tech innovation. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft drive the tech scene. They offer diverse projects and a supportive work environment. The city also enjoys a high quality of life.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $188,854
LA is a growing tech center. Companies such as Amazon and Google offer exciting projects. The city’s diverse culture enhances teamwork and creativity. It’s an excellent place for tech professionals to thrive.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $177,695
San Jose is Silicon Valley’s heart. Home to tech giants like Google and Apple, it offers numerous opportunities. The city supports a dynamic work environment. Professionals can work on cutting-edge technology here.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $174,871
San Diego is an emerging tech hub. Companies such as Qualcomm and eBay offer exciting roles. The city combines a pleasant climate with a vibrant tech community. It’s a great place for growth and innovation.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $168,535
Austin is a booming tech city. Companies like Dell and Apple are major employers. The city offers a strong sense of community. It’s an ideal place for tech professionals seeking a dynamic environment.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $163,341
DC is a center for tech and government. Companies like Amazon and Google offer unique opportunities. The city combines tech innovation with a rich cultural scene. Professionals can work on impactful projects here.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $159,845
Hartford offers a mix of tech and insurance. Companies like Eversource Energy provide exciting roles. The city’s affordable living and vibrant community make it appealing. It’s a great place for tech talent to grow.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $159,600
Boulder combines tech innovation with natural beauty. Companies like Facebook and Google have a presence here. The city offers a high quality of life. Professionals can enjoy outdoor activities and a thriving tech scene.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $159,173
Boston is a historic tech hub. Companies like Google and IBM offer diverse projects. The city’s rich academic environment fosters innovation. It’s an excellent place for tech professionals to advance their careers.
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What are the best companies a Machine Learning Engineer can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $430,652
Netflix is a global entertainment company offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Machine Learning Engineers at Netflix work on projects like recommendation systems and content creation. The company has offices in various locations, including Los Gatos, California, and international offices in Europe and Asia.
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SAP
Average Salary: $268,607
SAP develops enterprise software for business management. Machine Learning Engineers here create systems that help businesses improve operations. SAP operates in many countries with major offices in Walldorf, Germany, and multiple locations in the United States, including New York and California.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $259,712
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform. Machine Learning Engineers at Pinterest focus on improving user recommendations and image recognition. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco, California, and other offices in Europe and Asia.
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National Basketball Association
Average Salary: $255,000
The NBA is a major professional basketball league. Machine Learning Engineers here work on player performance analytics and fan engagement. The NBA has offices in New York and other locations across the United States.
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Snap Inc.
Average Salary: $250,702
Snap Inc. is the parent company of Snapchat. Machine Learning Engineers develop features like augmented reality and content moderation. Snap Inc. has offices in Los Angeles and other places in the United States.
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Scale AI
Average Salary: $246,463
Scale AI develops computer vision and machine learning for autonomous vehicles. Engineers here create systems that help vehicles navigate safely. The company is based in San Francisco, California.
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Genentech
Average Salary: $246,121
Genentech is a biotechnology company. Machine Learning Engineers here work on genomics and drug discovery. The company is located in South San Francisco, California.
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Samsung Electronics
Average Salary: $235,873
Samsung Electronics makes consumer electronics and appliances. Machine Learning Engineers focus on improving smart devices and artificial intelligence. The company has offices in South Korea and the United States.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $233,943
Waymo develops autonomous driving technology. Machine Learning Engineers here work on self-driving cars. The company is based in Mountain View, California.
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Coupang
Average Salary: $230,281
Coupang is an e-commerce company based in South Korea. Machine Learning Engineers here improve the recommendation system and customer experience. The company also operates in the United States.
How to earn more as a Machine Learning Engineer?
A Machine Learning Engineer can increase their earnings by focusing on certain key areas. Specializing in high-demand skills can make a candidate more valuable. Learning advanced algorithms and techniques sets professionals apart. Networking with other industry experts also opens up better job opportunities. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends in machine learning keeps a candidate competitive.
Other factors to consider include gaining experience with popular tools and languages. Knowing frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch can be very beneficial. Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Google Cloud also adds value. Certifications from recognized institutions can enhance credibility. Lastly, developing strong soft skills such as communication and teamwork can improve job prospects and potential salary.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Specialization in high-demand skills
- Continuous learning and staying updated
- Experience with popular tools and languages
- Certifications from recognized institutions
- Strong soft skills



