Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $205,600 | $156,300 | $267,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $255,600 | $194,200 | $332,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $293,800 | $223,300 | $382,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $352,500 | $267,900 | $458,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $399,500 | $303,600 | $519,500 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the San Francisco metro is $293,800 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $223,300 to $382,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $484,800 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays -1% relative to the California 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.
San Francisco vs. national: +63%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Machine Learning Engineers — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $293,800 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco start around $205,600, while seniors (10+ years) reach $352,500 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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