Fast-growing Sun Belt city, semiconductors (TSMC, Intel). Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in Phoenix get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Phoenix metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $130,800 | $99,400 | $170,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $162,600 | $123,500 | $211,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $186,900 | $142,000 | $242,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $224,200 | $170,400 | $291,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $254,100 | $193,100 | $330,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Phoenix metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the Phoenix metro is $186,900 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $142,000 to $242,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $308,300 or more.
Yes — Phoenix pays +2% relative to the Arizona 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.
Phoenix vs. national: +3%. Phoenix 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 Phoenix, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $186,900 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Phoenix start around $130,800, while seniors (10+ years) reach $224,200 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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