Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $211,700 | $160,900 | $275,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $263,100 | $200,000 | $342,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $302,500 | $229,900 | $393,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $363,000 | $275,800 | $471,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $411,400 | $312,600 | $534,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the San Jose metro is $302,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $229,900 to $393,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $499,100 or more.
Yes — San Jose 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 Jose vs. national: +67%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for Machine Learning Engineers — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $302,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in San Jose start around $211,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $363,000 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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