Salary Explorer
Real aggregated compensation by role, level and market — annual salary in thousands.
Markets: United States · United Kingdom · Singapore · Remote · Updated 2026-07-15
Whether you are benchmarking a machine learning engineer salary or comparing the broader AI engineer salary landscape, this page aggregates real compensation data for eight AI roles — from Machine Learning Engineer to LLM Engineer and AI Product Manager — broken down by seniority level and market. Every figure is an annual range with an average, so you see the full spread rather than a single median. In US data, entry-level ML engineers typically see base salaries from roughly $80k to $130k, while senior packages reach $200k–$350k.
Use the explorer below to compare roles across four markets — the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore and Remote — and to check P25–P90 percentiles, equity, bonus and contractor rates for each. The city section covers 15 global hubs with cost-of-living adjustments, because the same salary goes further in some markets than others. For levels, negotiation and total-comp strategy in depth, read our machine learning engineer salary guide.
AI skill premium
Professionals with AI skills can earn 40-60% more than traditional roles
🔥 Hot markets
United StatesRemoteSingapore
📈 Fastest growing
LLM EngineerAI Agent DeveloperMLOps Engineer
Salary ranking by market
Highest-level average for each role in United States (per year)
Machine Learning Engineer
$200k–$350k
$275k
AI Research Scientist
$150k–$300k
$225k
LLM Engineer
$140k–$220k
$180k
AI Agent Developer
$135k–$215k
$175k
Computer Vision Engineer
$130k–$210k
$170k
NLP Engineer
$130k–$210k
$170k
AI Product Manager
$120k–$200k
$160k
MLOps Engineer
$125k–$195k
$160k
Compensation detail · by level & market
Junior0-2 years
- United States$80k–130k · avg $105k
- United Kingdom£50k–80k · avg £65k
- SingaporeS$60k–100k · avg S$80k
- Remote$70k–110k · avg $90k
Skills required
PythonMachine LearningTensorFlow/PyTorchData Analysis
Mid-level3-5 years
- United States$130k–200k · avg $165k
- United Kingdom£80k–120k · avg £100k
- SingaporeS$100k–150k · avg S$125k
- Remote$110k–170k · avg $140k
Skills required
PythonML/DLMLOpsProduction SystemsTeam Collaboration
Senior5+ years
- United States$200k–350k · avg $275k
- United Kingdom£120k–200k · avg £160k
- SingaporeS$150k–250k · avg S$200k
- Remote$170k–300k · avg $235k
Skills required
ML/DLSystem DesignLeadershipStrategic Planning
US salaries often include significant equity/stock options
Where to work · 15 global cities
ML Engineer salary, cost of living and visa outlook by city (salary in local $k/year).
San Francisco Bay Area
United States
220k
avg ML salary
160k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 100
OpenAIAnthropicGoogleMeta
H1BO1L1TN (Canada/Mexico)
New York City
United States
210k
avg ML salary
150k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 95
Two SigmaDatadogHugging FaceScale AI
H1BO1L1
Seattle
United States
195k
avg ML salary
150k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 75
AmazonMicrosoftMetaGoogle
H1BO1L1TN
Austin
United States
170k
avg ML salary
137k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 60
TeslaOracleIndeedAmazon
H1BO1L1TN
Toronto
Canada
135k
avg ML salary
82k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 65
CohereVector InstituteShopifyRBC AI
Express EntryProvincial NomineeWork Permit
London
United Kingdom
90k
avg ML salary
77k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 70
Google DeepMindStability AIDarktraceBenevolentAI
Skilled WorkerGlobal TalentScale-up
Berlin
Germany
85k
avg ML salary
75k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 55
ZalandoDeepLN26Delivery Hero
EU Blue CardJob Seeker VisaFreelance
Tel Aviv
Israel
120k
avg ML salary
95k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 75
MobileyeAI21 LabsDatagenGong
B1 Work VisaExpert Visa
Bangalore
India
28k
avg ML salary
23k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 25
Google IndiaMicrosoftFlipkartOla
Employment Visa (foreigners)Locals: N/A
Sydney
Australia
125k
avg ML salary
65k
after cost of living
Cost of living index: 72
AtlassianCanvaCommonwealth BankQuantium
Skilled IndependentEmployer SponsoredGlobal Talent
Pick by priority
- Maximize Savings:Seattle, Austin, Berlin, Bangalore
- Maximize Learning:San Francisco, New York, London
- Most Opportunities:San Francisco, New York, Seattle
- Easiest Immigration:Toronto, Berlin, Sydney
- Best Work Life Balance:Berlin, Sydney, Toronto
Detailed compensation · percentiles & equity
P25–P90 base plus equity, bonus, sign-on and contractor rates (annual $k).
LLM Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$210k median
P25 $159kP75 $268kP90 $319k
Equity / yr
31-73k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
21-52k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
New York City · n=320
$199k median
P25 $151kP75 $255kP90 $303k
Equity / yr
29-69k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
19-49k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$189k median
P25 $143kP75 $241kP90 $287k
Equity / yr
28-66k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
18-47k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Boston · n=180
$184k median
P25 $140kP75 $236kP90 $280k
Equity / yr
27-64k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
18-46k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Austin · n=120
$172k median
P25 $130kP75 $220kP90 $261k
Equity / yr
25-60k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$178k median
P25 $135kP75 $228kP90 $271k
Equity / yr
26-62k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
17-44k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
London · n=180
£157k median
P25 £119kP75 £201kP90 £239k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
£0-0
LLM Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$115k median
P25 $87kP75 $147kP90 $175k
Equity / yr
17-40k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Paris · n=120
$121k median
P25 $92kP75 $155kP90 $185k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$126k median
P25 $95kP75 $161kP90 $191k
Equity / yr
18-44k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$136k median
P25 $103kP75 $174kP90 $207k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$147k median
P25 S$111kP75 S$188kP90 S$223k
Equity / yr
22-51k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
LLM Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$142k median
P25 $108kP75 $182kP90 $217k
Equity / yr
21-49k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
14-35k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$130k median
P25 $98kP75 $166kP90 $197k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
13-32k
Contract / hr
$0-0
LLM Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$151k median
P25 $114kP75 $193kP90 $229k
Equity / yr
22-52k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
15-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$195k median
P25 $148kP75 $249kP90 $296k
Equity / yr
29-68k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
19-48k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
New York City · n=320
$185k median
P25 $140kP75 $237kP90 $281k
Equity / yr
27-64k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
18-46k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$175k median
P25 $133kP75 $224kP90 $266k
Equity / yr
26-61k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Boston · n=180
$171k median
P25 $130kP75 $219kP90 $260k
Equity / yr
25-59k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-42k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Austin · n=120
$159k median
P25 $121kP75 $204kP90 $243k
Equity / yr
23-55k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$165k median
P25 $125kP75 $212kP90 $251k
Equity / yr
24-57k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-41k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
London · n=180
£146k median
P25 £111kP75 £187kP90 £222k
Equity / yr
21-51k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
£0-0
ML Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$107k median
P25 $81kP75 $137kP90 $163k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Paris · n=120
$113k median
P25 $85kP75 $144kP90 $171k
Equity / yr
16-39k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$117k median
P25 $88kP75 $149kP90 $177k
Equity / yr
17-40k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-29k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$126k median
P25 $96kP75 $162kP90 $192k
Equity / yr
18-44k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$136k median
P25 S$103kP75 S$174kP90 S$207k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
ML Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$132k median
P25 $100kP75 $169kP90 $201k
Equity / yr
19-46k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$120k median
P25 $91kP75 $154kP90 $183k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
ML Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$140k median
P25 $106kP75 $179kP90 $213k
Equity / yr
21-49k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-35k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$200k median
P25 $152kP75 $256kP90 $304k
Equity / yr
30-70k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
20-50k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
New York City · n=320
$190k median
P25 $144kP75 $243kP90 $288k
Equity / yr
28-66k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
19-47k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$180k median
P25 $136kP75 $230kP90 $273k
Equity / yr
27-62k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
18-45k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Boston · n=180
$176k median
P25 $133kP75 $225kP90 $267k
Equity / yr
26-61k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-44k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Austin · n=120
$164k median
P25 $124kP75 $209kP90 $249k
Equity / yr
24-57k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-41k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$170k median
P25 $129kP75 $217kP90 $258k
Equity / yr
25-59k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-42k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
London · n=180
£150k median
P25 £114kP75 £192kP90 £228k
Equity / yr
22-52k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-37k
Contract / hr
£0-0
MLOps Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$110k median
P25 $83kP75 $140kP90 $167k
Equity / yr
16-38k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Paris · n=120
$115k median
P25 $88kP75 $148kP90 $176k
Equity / yr
17-40k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$120k median
P25 $91kP75 $153kP90 $182k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$130k median
P25 $98kP75 $166kP90 $197k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-32k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$140k median
P25 S$106kP75 S$179kP90 S$212k
Equity / yr
21-49k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-35k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$136k median
P25 $103kP75 $174kP90 $206k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$124k median
P25 $94kP75 $158kP90 $188k
Equity / yr
18-43k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
MLOps Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$144k median
P25 $109kP75 $184kP90 $218k
Equity / yr
21-50k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$185k median
P25 $140kP75 $236kP90 $281k
Equity / yr
27-64k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
18-46k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
New York City · n=320
$175k median
P25 $133kP75 $224kP90 $267k
Equity / yr
26-61k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$166k median
P25 $126kP75 $213kP90 $253k
Equity / yr
24-58k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-41k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Boston · n=180
$162k median
P25 $123kP75 $208kP90 $247k
Equity / yr
24-56k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-40k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Austin · n=120
$151k median
P25 $115kP75 $194kP90 $230k
Equity / yr
22-52k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$157k median
P25 $119kP75 $201kP90 $239k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
London · n=180
£138k median
P25 £105kP75 £177kP90 £210k
Equity / yr
20-48k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
£0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$101k median
P25 $77kP75 $130kP90 $154k
Equity / yr
15-35k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-25k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Paris · n=120
$107k median
P25 $81kP75 $137kP90 $163k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$111k median
P25 $84kP75 $142kP90 $168k
Equity / yr
16-38k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$120k median
P25 $91kP75 $153kP90 $182k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$129k median
P25 S$98kP75 S$165kP90 S$196k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-32k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$125k median
P25 $95kP75 $161kP90 $191k
Equity / yr
18-43k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$114k median
P25 $87kP75 $146kP90 $174k
Equity / yr
17-39k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Computer Vision Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$133k median
P25 $101kP75 $170kP90 $202k
Equity / yr
19-46k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$180k median
P25 $136kP75 $230kP90 $273k
Equity / yr
27-62k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
18-45k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
New York City · n=320
$171k median
P25 $129kP75 $218kP90 $259k
Equity / yr
25-59k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-42k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$162k median
P25 $123kP75 $207kP90 $246k
Equity / yr
24-56k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-40k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Boston · n=180
$158k median
P25 $120kP75 $202kP90 $240k
Equity / yr
23-55k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Austin · n=120
$147k median
P25 $112kP75 $188kP90 $224k
Equity / yr
22-51k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$153k median
P25 $116kP75 $195kP90 $232k
Equity / yr
22-53k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-38k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
London · n=180
£135k median
P25 £102kP75 £172kP90 £205k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
£0-0
NLP Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$99k median
P25 $75kP75 $126kP90 $150k
Equity / yr
14-34k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-24k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Paris · n=120
$104k median
P25 $79kP75 $133kP90 $158k
Equity / yr
15-36k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$108k median
P25 $82kP75 $138kP90 $164k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$117k median
P25 $88kP75 $149kP90 $177k
Equity / yr
17-40k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-29k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$125k median
P25 S$95kP75 S$161kP90 S$191k
Equity / yr
18-43k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
NLP Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$122k median
P25 $93kP75 $156kP90 $186k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$111k median
P25 $84kP75 $142kP90 $169k
Equity / yr
16-38k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
NLP Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$129k median
P25 $98kP75 $165kP90 $196k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-32k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$240k median
P25 $182kP75 $307kP90 $364k
Equity / yr
36-84k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
24-60k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
New York City · n=320
$228k median
P25 $173kP75 $291kP90 $346k
Equity / yr
34-79k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
22-57k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Seattle · n=320
$216k median
P25 $164kP75 $276kP90 $328k
Equity / yr
32-75k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
21-54k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Boston · n=180
$211k median
P25 $160kP75 $270kP90 $321k
Equity / yr
31-73k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
21-52k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Austin · n=120
$196k median
P25 $149kP75 $251kP90 $299k
Equity / yr
29-68k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
19-49k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Los Angeles · n=120
$204k median
P25 $155kP75 $261kP90 $310k
Equity / yr
30-71k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
20-51k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
London · n=180
£180k median
P25 £136kP75 £230kP90 £273k
Equity / yr
27-62k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
18-45k
Contract / hr
£0-0
AI Research Scientist
Berlin · n=120
$132k median
P25 $100kP75 $168kP90 $200k
Equity / yr
19-46k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Paris · n=120
$139k median
P25 $105kP75 $178kP90 $211k
Equity / yr
20-48k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Amsterdam · n=120
$144k median
P25 $109kP75 $184kP90 $218k
Equity / yr
21-50k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Toronto · n=120
$156k median
P25 $118kP75 $199kP90 $237k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Singapore · n=120
S$168k median
P25 S$127kP75 S$215kP90 S$255k
Equity / yr
25-58k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
16-42k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Tel Aviv · n=120
$163k median
P25 $124kP75 $208kP90 $248k
Equity / yr
24-57k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
16-40k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Tokyo · n=120
$148k median
P25 $113kP75 $190kP90 $226k
Equity / yr
22-51k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
14-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Research Scientist
Sydney · n=120
$172k median
P25 $131kP75 $221kP90 $262k
Equity / yr
25-60k RSUs
Bonus
15-25%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$150k median
P25 $114kP75 $192kP90 $228k
Equity / yr
22-52k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
New York City · n=320
$142k median
P25 $108kP75 $182kP90 $216k
Equity / yr
21-49k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-35k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Seattle · n=320
$135k median
P25 $102kP75 $172kP90 $205k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Boston · n=180
$132k median
P25 $100kP75 $168kP90 $200k
Equity / yr
19-46k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Austin · n=120
$122k median
P25 $93kP75 $157kP90 $186k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Los Angeles · n=120
$127k median
P25 $96kP75 $163kP90 $193k
Equity / yr
19-44k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
London · n=180
£112k median
P25 £85kP75 £144kP90 £171k
Equity / yr
16-39k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
£0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Berlin · n=120
$82k median
P25 $62kP75 $105kP90 $125k
Equity / yr
12-28k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
8-20k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Paris · n=120
$87k median
P25 $66kP75 $111kP90 $132k
Equity / yr
13-30k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
8-21k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Amsterdam · n=120
$90k median
P25 $68kP75 $115kP90 $136k
Equity / yr
13-31k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-22k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Toronto · n=120
$97k median
P25 $74kP75 $124kP90 $148k
Equity / yr
14-33k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-24k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Singapore · n=120
S$105k median
P25 S$79kP75 S$134kP90 S$159k
Equity / yr
15-36k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Tel Aviv · n=120
$102k median
P25 $77kP75 $130kP90 $155k
Equity / yr
15-35k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-25k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Tokyo · n=120
$93k median
P25 $70kP75 $119kP90 $141k
Equity / yr
13-32k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-23k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Data Scientist - ML
Sydney · n=120
$108k median
P25 $82kP75 $138kP90 $164k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$155k median
P25 $117kP75 $198kP90 $235k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-38k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
New York City · n=320
$147k median
P25 $111kP75 $188kP90 $223k
Equity / yr
22-51k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-36k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$139k median
P25 $106kP75 $178kP90 $212k
Equity / yr
20-48k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Boston · n=180
$136k median
P25 $103kP75 $174kP90 $207k
Equity / yr
20-47k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Austin · n=120
$127k median
P25 $96kP75 $162kP90 $193k
Equity / yr
19-44k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$131k median
P25 $100kP75 $168kP90 $200k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-32k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
London · n=180
£116k median
P25 £88kP75 £148kP90 £176k
Equity / yr
17-40k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-29k
Contract / hr
£0-0
Prompt Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$85k median
P25 $64kP75 $109kP90 $129k
Equity / yr
12-29k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
8-21k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Paris · n=120
$89k median
P25 $68kP75 $115kP90 $136k
Equity / yr
13-31k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
8-22k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$93k median
P25 $70kP75 $119kP90 $141k
Equity / yr
13-32k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-23k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$100k median
P25 $76kP75 $128kP90 $153k
Equity / yr
15-35k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-25k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$108k median
P25 S$82kP75 S$138kP90 S$164k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-27k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$105k median
P25 $80kP75 $134kP90 $160k
Equity / yr
15-36k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$96k median
P25 $73kP75 $123kP90 $146k
Equity / yr
14-33k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-24k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Prompt Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$111k median
P25 $84kP75 $142kP90 $169k
Equity / yr
16-38k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$185k median
P25 $140kP75 $236kP90 $281k
Equity / yr
27-64k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
18-46k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
New York City · n=320
$175k median
P25 $133kP75 $224kP90 $267k
Equity / yr
26-61k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Seattle · n=320
$166k median
P25 $126kP75 $213kP90 $253k
Equity / yr
24-58k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-41k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Boston · n=180
$162k median
P25 $123kP75 $208kP90 $247k
Equity / yr
24-56k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-40k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Austin · n=120
$151k median
P25 $115kP75 $194kP90 $230k
Equity / yr
22-52k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Los Angeles · n=120
$157k median
P25 $119kP75 $201kP90 $239k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
London · n=180
£138k median
P25 £105kP75 £177kP90 £210k
Equity / yr
20-48k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-34k
Contract / hr
£0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Berlin · n=120
$101k median
P25 $77kP75 $130kP90 $154k
Equity / yr
15-35k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-25k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Paris · n=120
$107k median
P25 $81kP75 $137kP90 $163k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Amsterdam · n=120
$111k median
P25 $84kP75 $142kP90 $168k
Equity / yr
16-38k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Toronto · n=120
$120k median
P25 $91kP75 $153kP90 $182k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Singapore · n=120
S$129k median
P25 S$98kP75 S$165kP90 S$196k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-32k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Tel Aviv · n=120
$125k median
P25 $95kP75 $161kP90 $191k
Equity / yr
18-43k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Tokyo · n=120
$114k median
P25 $87kP75 $146kP90 $174k
Equity / yr
17-39k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Safety Engineer
Sydney · n=120
$133k median
P25 $101kP75 $170kP90 $202k
Equity / yr
19-46k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-33k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
San Francisco Bay Area · n=450
$175k median
P25 $133kP75 $224kP90 $266k
Equity / yr
26-61k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
17-43k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
New York City · n=320
$166k median
P25 $126kP75 $212kP90 $252k
Equity / yr
24-58k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
16-41k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Seattle · n=320
$157k median
P25 $119kP75 $201kP90 $239k
Equity / yr
23-54k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-39k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Boston · n=180
$154k median
P25 $117kP75 $197kP90 $234k
Equity / yr
23-53k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
15-38k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Austin · n=120
$143k median
P25 $109kP75 $183kP90 $218k
Equity / yr
21-50k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-35k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Los Angeles · n=120
$148k median
P25 $113kP75 $190kP90 $226k
Equity / yr
22-51k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
14-37k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
London · n=180
£131k median
P25 £99kP75 £168kP90 £199k
Equity / yr
19-45k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
13-32k
Contract / hr
£0-0
AI Product Manager
Berlin · n=120
$96k median
P25 $73kP75 $123kP90 $146k
Equity / yr
14-33k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
9-24k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Paris · n=120
$101k median
P25 $77kP75 $129kP90 $154k
Equity / yr
15-35k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-25k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Amsterdam · n=120
$105k median
P25 $79kP75 $134kP90 $159k
Equity / yr
15-36k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-26k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Toronto · n=120
$113k median
P25 $86kP75 $145kP90 $172k
Equity / yr
16-39k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-28k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Singapore · n=120
S$122k median
P25 S$93kP75 S$156kP90 S$186k
Equity / yr
18-42k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-30k
Contract / hr
S$0-0
AI Product Manager
Tel Aviv · n=120
$119k median
P25 $90kP75 $152kP90 $180k
Equity / yr
17-41k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
11-29k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Tokyo · n=120
$108k median
P25 $82kP75 $138kP90 $164k
Equity / yr
16-37k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
10-27k
Contract / hr
$0-0
AI Product Manager
Sydney · n=120
$126k median
P25 $95kP75 $161kP90 $191k
Equity / yr
18-44k RSUs
Bonus
10-20%
Sign-on
12-31k
Contract / hr
$0-0
Visa & immigration
Work-visa routes compared — processing time, cost and approval rate.
United States
H-1B
Processing
6-12 months (lottery in March, start October)
Cost
5000-10000
Quota
85000
Pros
- ✓Path to Green Card
- ✓Dual intent allowed
- ✓Can work only for sponsor
💡 Apply through multiple employers if possible
Canada
Express Entry (Skilled Worker)
Processing
6-12 months
Cost
1500-3000
Quota
Variable (points-based)
Pros
- ✓Predictable (points-based)
- ✓Direct to PR
- ✓No employer tie
- ✓Family included
💡 Max your points (French helps, age <30 better)
Germany
EU Blue Card
Processing
2-4 months
Cost
200-500
Quota
Unlimited
Pros
- ✓Fast
- ✓Cheap
- ✓No language requirement
- ✓EU access
- ✓Path to PR (21-33 months)
💡 Apply to jobs before moving
United Kingdom
Skilled Worker Visa
Processing
3 weeks (priority available)
Cost
2000-3000
Quota
Unlimited (for high-skill)
Pros
- ✓Fast processing
- ✓Path to settlement (5 years)
- ✓Family included
💡 Priority processing worth it (£500)
Quick comparison
- Easiest:Germany (EU Blue Card) - if you have job offer
- Fastest:Germany (2-4 months)
- Cheapest:Germany (~€300)
- Highest Salary:United States (but lottery)
- Recommendation:Try Canada Express Entry + Germany EU Blue Card simultaneously for best odds
- Highest Approval:Germany (90%+)
- Best For Direct Pr:Canada (6-12 months to PR)
Real negotiation case studies
Anonymized before/after outcomes and what moved the number.
Metadata
Note: Anonymized real cases showing negotiation process and outcomes
Title: Real Salary Negotiation Case Studies
Last Updated: 2026-07-15T20:16:02.491379
Case Studies
Title: Backend Engineer → LLM Engineer (Career Switch)
Case Id: 1
Lessons
- ›Having competing offer increased leverage significantly
- ›Don't anchor too low - they met in middle
- ›Equity negotiable at startups (less so at big tech)
- ›Domain expertise (backend) justified higher offer
Outcome
Accepted: AI Startup
Equity Potential: Could be worth $500k+ if startup succeeds
Total Comp Year1: $180k (base + sign-on)
Increase From Previous: +50%
Background
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Education: BS Computer Science
Experience: 5 years backend (Java/Spring)
Current Salary: $120k base
Transition
Github Stars: 200+ across projects
Projects Built: 4
Learning Period: 8 months
Offers Received
Title: LLM Engineer
Company: AI Startup (Series B)
Counter
Base: $165k
Bonus: $30k sign-on
Equity: 0.20%
Reasoning: Cited competing offer, domain expertise from backend
Decision: Accepted
Final Offer
Base: $155k
Bonus: $25k sign-on
Equity: 0.18%
Initial Offer
Base: $145k
Bonus: $20k sign-on
Equity: 0.15% (4yr vest)
Title: ML Engineer II
Company: Midsize Tech Company
Counter: Did not counter (used to negotiate with startup)
Decision: Declined
Initial Offer
Base: $140k
Bonus: 15% annual
Equity: RSUs worth $40k/yr
Negotiation Process
Offers: 2
Onsites: 5
Responses: 18
Phone Screens: 12
Companies Applied: 60
Title: PhD → AI Research Scientist (New Grad)
Case Id: 2
Lessons
- ›PhD + publications = high leverage
- ›AI safety companies pay competitively
- ›Multiple offers essential for top comp
- ›Mission alignment can override comp
Outcome
Accepted: Anthropic
Reasoning: Mission alignment (AI safety) > slightly higher Google comp
Total Comp Year1: $300k+ (base + sign-on)
Increase From Phd: +757%
Background
Location: Remote (USA)
Education: PhD Computer Science (ML focus)
Experience: 5 years PhD, 2 internships
Publications: 3 papers (1 at NeurIPS)
Current Salary: $35k/yr stipend
Offers Received
Title: Research Scientist
Company: Google Research
Counter
Base: $200k
Reasoning: Cited competing offers from OpenAI and Anthropic
Decision: Declined (chose Anthropic)
Final Offer
Base: $185k
Bonus: $75k sign-on
Equity: $175k/yr RSUs
Total Year1: $435k
Initial Offer
Base: $175k
Bonus: $50k sign-on
Equity: $150k/yr RSUs (4yr)
Total Year1: $375k
Title: Research Scientist
Company: Anthropic
Counter: Did not counter (already top of market)
Decision: Accepted
Final Offer: Same as initial
Initial Offer
Base: $200k
Bonus: $100k sign-on
Equity: Significant (private company)
Negotiation Process
Offers: 4
Onsites: 8
Responses: 15
Companies Applied: 20
Title: Self-Taught → Junior ML Engineer (No Degree)
Case Id: 3
Lessons
- ›Viral project was key (proof of ability)
- ›No degree = harder (120 apps for 1 offer)
- ›Small startups more willing to overlook no degree
- ›First job is foot in door (comp improves fast)
- ›Limited leverage with only 1 offer
Outcome
Outlook: Foot in door, can jump to $130k+ in 2 years
Accepted: Small AI Startup
Total Comp Year1: $95k
Increase From Previous: ∞ (from $0)
Background
Location: Austin, TX
Education: High school only
Portfolio: 5 strong projects, 1 viral (50k+ users)
Experience: 2 years self-learning
Current Salary: $0 (learning full-time)
Offers Received
Title: Junior ML Engineer
Company: Small AI Startup (Seed)
Counter
Base: $100k
Reasoning: Viral project proves ability, Austin market rate
Decision: Accepted
Final Offer
Base: $90k
Bonus: $5k sign-on
Equity: 0.6%
Initial Offer
Base: $85k
Bonus: None
Equity: 0.5%
Negotiation Process
Offers: 1
Onsites: 2
Responses: 8
Phone Screens: 6
Companies Applied: 120
Key Insights
Timing: AI boom 2024-2026 = higher comp than historical
Location: Remote/Austin ~20-30% lower than SF Bay Area
Publications: Each top-venue paper worth ~$20k in negotiation
Viral Projects: 50k+ users = proof of ability (offsets lack of degree)
Competing Offers: 2+ offers increases final comp by 20-40%
Domain Expertise: Relevant industry experience adds 10-20% premium
Salary FAQ
Common questions about machine learning engineer pay, answered with the data on this page.
How much does a machine learning engineer make?
In the US data on this page, machine learning engineers typically earn roughly $80k–$130k at junior level (0–2 years), $130k–$200k at mid-level and $200k–$350k at senior level, with averages around $105k, $165k and $275k respectively. UK and Singapore packages run lower in nominal terms — the tables above show all four markets side by side. For a full breakdown by level, company type and negotiation stage, read our machine learning engineer salary guide.
How does an ML engineer's salary grow with experience?
Steeply, in the data on this page: US average base pay rises from about $105k at junior level to roughly $165k at mid-level and around $275k for senior engineers — more than doubling across the first five-plus years. The mid-to-senior step is the largest single jump, so closing high-leverage skill gaps early compounds. Newer LLM-adjacent roles follow a similar curve — see our prompt engineer salary guide for a concrete example.
Which markets and cities pay the most for AI roles?
The United States tops the ranking table above for every role, with Remote and Singapore also flagged as hot markets. Among the 15 cities compared below, US hubs post the highest nominal salaries, but the cost-of-living-adjusted figures narrow the gap considerably — check the after-cost-of-living number on each city card before deciding. Our AI salaries by city guide walks through the trade-offs.
What is the difference between base salary and total compensation?
The ranges in the tables above are base salary. As the note on this page points out, US packages often add significant equity on top, plus annual bonus and sign-on — the percentile cards quantify each component per role and city, and total comp can run well above base at senior levels. For company-by-company packages broken down by level, try the company pay explorer.
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