Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — no state income tax. Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Seattle metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $179,100 | $136,100 | $232,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $222,600 | $169,200 | $289,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $255,900 | $194,500 | $332,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $307,000 | $233,400 | $399,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $348,000 | $264,500 | $452,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Seattle metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the Seattle metro is $255,900 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $194,500 to $332,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $422,200 or more.
Yes — Seattle pays -4% relative to the Washington 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.
Seattle vs. national: +42%. That puts Seattle among the stronger US markets for Machine Learning Engineers — though cost of living in Seattle is also typically elevated.
In Seattle, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $255,900 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle start around $179,100, while seniors (10+ years) reach $307,000 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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