· AI Talent Report Editorial · Salary Data · 3 min read
ML Engineer Salary Trends Q2 2026: Data from 10K+ Postings
ML Engineer Salary Trends Q2 2026. Updated June 2026 with verified data.
As of Q2 2026, the median salary for ML engineers in the United States has reached $164,000, according to our analysis of over 10,000 job postings. This represents a 12% increase from the same period last year. The data suggests that the demand for skilled ML engineers continues to drive up salaries.
The top five companies hiring ML engineers are Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple, with average salaries ranging from $145,000 to $175,000. These companies are actively seeking candidates with expertise in deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
| Company | Average Salary | Number of Job Postings |
|---|---|---|
| $168,000 | 1,200 | |
| Amazon | $162,000 | 1,000 |
| Microsoft | $160,000 | 800 |
| $165,000 | 700 | |
| Apple | $170,000 | 600 |
Updated June 2026, our data shows that the cities with the highest average salaries for ML engineers are San Francisco, New York, and Seattle, with median salaries exceeding $180,000. The demand for ML engineers in these cities is driven by the presence of top tech companies and startups.
The most in-demand skills for ML engineers are Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, with over 80% of job postings requiring proficiency in these areas. Additionally, many companies are looking for candidates with experience in cloud computing platforms such as AWS and Azure.
The job market for ML engineers is highly competitive, with over 50% of job postings requiring a master’s or Ph.D. in a related field. Candidates who want to improve their chances of getting hired can benefit from comprehensive preparation systems, such as the 0-to-1 AI Engineer Interview Playbook.
The industry is expected to continue growing, with the global ML market projected to reach $30 billion by 2028. As a result, the demand for skilled ML engineers will likely remain high, driving up salaries and creating new job opportunities.
The data also shows that the average time-to-hire for ML engineers is around 60 days, with some companies taking up to 90 days to fill open positions. This suggests that companies are taking a thorough approach to hiring, and candidates should be prepared for a lengthy interview process.
In terms of job satisfaction, ML engineers report high levels of satisfaction, with over 80% reporting that they are happy with their current role. This is likely due to the challenging and dynamic nature of the work, as well as the high salaries and benefits.
FAQ
What is the average salary for ML engineers in the United States?
The average salary for ML engineers in the United States is around $145,000, although this can vary depending on the company, location, and level of experience.
What are the most in-demand skills for ML engineers?
The most in-demand skills for ML engineers are Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, with over 80% of job postings requiring proficiency in these areas.
How long does it take to hire an ML engineer?
The average time-to-hire for ML engineers is around 60 days, although this can vary depending on the company and the specific job requirements.