As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in the United States is $157,450. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $144,360 to $178,480, with most professionals earning between $132,442 and $197,627.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $178,480 | $14,873 | $3,432 | $86 |
| Average | $157,450 | $13,121 | $3,028 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,360 | $12,030 | $2,776 | $69 |
An entry-level Principal Machine Learning Engineer with less than 1 year of experience earns about $152,175. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $153,152. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $154,129. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $156,082, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $160,589.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Machine Learning Engineer | $152,175 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Machine Learning Engineer | $153,152 |
| Senior Level Principal Machine Learning Engineer | $154,129 |
| Specialist Level Principal Machine Learning Engineer | $156,082 |
| Expert Level Principal Machine Learning Engineer | $160,589 |
| Entry Level | 3% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 1% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Principal Machine Learning Engineer compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $150,474 in 2023 to approximately $149,773 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Principal Machine Learning Engineer salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
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| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $157,450 | 73.1% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $12,045 | 5.6% | ||
| 401K/403B | $6,613 | 3.1% | ||
| Disability | $3,149 | 1.5% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 3.9% | ||
| Pension | $8,502 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $19,378 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $215,490 | 100% | ||
The estimated total pay for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer in the US ranges from $140,010 to $178,950 per year, with a mid-salary of $159,590. These figures reflect the typical salary range based on industry data and provide a clear picture of compensation for this role.
In the US, Principal Machine Learning Engineers earn between $140,010 and $178,950 annually, with a median salary of $159,590. While some sources report salaries as high as $212,500, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.
A Principal Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing advanced machine learning algorithms and training complex models. This role involves collaboration with product, engineering, and analytics teams to integrate AI functionalities into products and services. The salary for this position ranges from $140,010 to $178,950, with a midpoint of $159,590.
Yes, principal engineers hold higher-level positions compared to senior engineers. They typically command significant salaries, with a minimum of $140,010, a mid-range of $159,590, and a maximum of $178,950. This reflects their advanced expertise and leadership responsibilities within the engineering field.
The salary for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer at Google typically ranges from $140,010 to $178,950, with a mid-point salary of $159,590. This position is among the top-paying roles in the field, reflecting the high demand for expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
FAANG machine learning engineers typically earn significantly more than the average salaries for Principal Machine Learning Engineers. While the average base pay at companies like Amazon is around $222,559, Netflix at $186,848, and Google at $284,275, the salary range for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer is between $140,010 and $178,950, with a mid-salary of $159,590.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
