U.S. COMPENSATION DATA · UPDATED MAY 2026 · SOURCE: BLS OES30 ROLES · 20 MARKETS
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RolesMachine Learning EngineerSan Francisco

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA

Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data

$210,000
7.1% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$125,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$160,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$210,000
50th Pct.
Median
$270,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$340,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco?+

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $210,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $160,000 and $270,000.

What is the entry-level Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco?+

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineer positions in San Francisco typically start around $160,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $210,000.

What do senior Machine Learning Engineers earn in San Francisco?+

Senior Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco earn $270,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $340,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.

How has the Machine Learning Engineer market changed in San Francisco?+

Year-over-year salary growth for Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco stands at 7.1% as of May 2026, indicating strong demand in the local market.

Machine Learning Engineer — Other Markets
Market25th Pct.Median75th Pct.YoY
New York, NY$150,000$195,000$250,000+7.1%
Seattle, WA$140,000$180,000$230,000+7.1%
Boston, MA$135,000$175,000$220,000+7.1%
Austin, TX$120,000$150,000$195,000+7.1%
Denver, CO$120,000$150,000$195,000+7.1%
Chicago, IL$120,000$155,000$200,000+7.1%
Los Angeles, CA$145,000$190,000$240,000+7.1%
Washington DC, DC$135,000$175,000$225,000+7.1%
San Francisco — Other Roles
Role25th Pct.Median75th Pct.
Software Engineer$140,000$190,000$240,000
Data Analyst$90,000$120,000$155,000
Data Scientist$130,000$170,000$225,000
Product Manager$135,000$175,000$230,000
DevOps Engineer$135,000$180,000$230,000
UX Designer$100,000$135,000$175,000