Fastest-growing major Florida metro, finance + healthcare. Here's how Machine Learning Engineers in Tampa get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Tampa metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $129,000 | $98,000 | $167,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $160,300 | $121,800 | $208,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $184,300 | $140,100 | $239,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $221,100 | $168,100 | $287,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $250,600 | $190,500 | $325,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Tampa metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the Tampa metro is $184,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $140,100 to $239,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $304,100 or more.
Yes — Tampa pays +0% relative to the Florida 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.
Tampa vs. national: +2%. Tampa 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 Tampa, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $184,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Tampa start around $129,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $221,100 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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