Productionizes ML models — extremely hot market, AI premium compounding.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Machine Learning Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $126,400 | $95,600 | $169,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $157,200 | $118,800 | $210,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $180,700 | $136,600 | $241,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $216,800 | $163,900 | $289,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $245,700 | $185,700 | $328,500 |
Top 10 states by median Machine Learning Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $298,200 | $226,600 | $387,600 | +65% |
| Washington | $267,400 | $203,300 | $347,700 | +48% |
| New York | $253,000 | $192,300 | $328,900 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $253,000 | $192,300 | $328,900 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $244,000 | $185,400 | $317,100 | +35% |
| New Jersey | $227,700 | $173,000 | $296,000 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $218,700 | $166,200 | $284,300 | +21% |
| Maryland | $216,800 | $164,800 | $281,900 | +20% |
| Colorado | $211,400 | $160,700 | $274,900 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $206,000 | $156,600 | $267,800 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $153,600 | $116,700 | $199,700 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $151,800 | $115,400 | $197,300 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $151,800 | $115,400 | $197,300 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $151,800 | $115,400 | $197,300 | -16% |
| Alabama | $150,000 | $114,000 | $195,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $150,000 | $114,000 | $195,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $144,600 | $109,900 | $187,900 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $144,600 | $109,900 | $187,900 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $141,000 | $107,100 | $183,200 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $141,000 | $107,100 | $183,200 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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