Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in Nashville get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Nashville metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $119,900 | $91,100 | $155,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $149,000 | $113,200 | $193,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $171,300 | $130,200 | $222,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $205,500 | $156,200 | $267,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $232,900 | $177,000 | $302,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the Nashville metro is $171,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $130,200 to $222,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $282,700 or more.
Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee state median for Machine Learning Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville pays roughly in line with the national average for Machine Learning Engineers. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Nashville, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $171,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Nashville start around $119,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $205,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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