ML Engineer Salary in Seattle (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does ml engineer in Seattle make?
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In Seattle, ML Engineers earn between $118,894 and $327,935 annually, with a median salary of $197,458. This reflects the city's strong demand for machine learning expertise.
Key Facts
- Median ML Engineer salary in Seattle is $197,458.
- Cost of living index in Seattle is 145.7.
- Top employers include Amazon Web Services and Google.
- Key skills include Python and TensorFlow.
- Seattle's housing costs are 107% higher than the national average. ([rentcafe.com](https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/wa/seattle/?utm_source=openai))
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior ML Engineer: Salaries typically start around $118,894 per year.
- Mid-Level ML Engineer: Average salaries are approximately $197,458 annually.
- Senior ML Engineer: Salaries can reach up to $327,935 per year.
How Seattle Compares
Seattle's cost of living index is 145.7, making it one of the more expensive U.S. cities. For comparison, San Francisco has an index of 194.1, while Los Angeles stands at 146.3. (axios.com)
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, and deep learning frameworks significantly enhances earning potential. Experience with natural language processing and data analysis is also highly valued.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in Seattle offer competitive benefits, including flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing expertise in high-demand skills like deep learning and natural language processing. Networking with professionals in top Seattle tech companies can also open up lucrative opportunities.
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ML Engineer Insights — Seattle
ML Engineer salaries in Seattle range from $118,894 to $327,935, a 106% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $197,458 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Seattle's cost of living index of 97/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $197,458 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for ml engineer in Seattle is anchored by employers like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for ml engineer in Seattle centers around expertise in Python, TensorFlow, Data Analysis, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $327,935 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Data Scientist or AI Engineer.
Related Roles in Seattle
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontend Engineer | Seattle | $68,000 - $141,000 | $101,995 |
| Software Engineer | Seattle | $106,363 - $209,212 | $149,172 |
| DevOps Engineer | Seattle | $85,000 - $280,000 | $132,938 |
| Data Scientist | Seattle | $80,000 - $162,000 | $120,443 |
| Cloud Architect | Seattle | $144,760 - $298,940 | $208,025 |
| Product Manager |
ML Engineer Salaries by City
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More Tech Salaries in Seattle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an ML Engineer in Seattle?
The average salary is approximately $197,458 per year.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect ML Engineer salaries?
Seattle's higher cost of living is reflected in the competitive salaries offered to ML Engineers.
Which companies are hiring ML Engineers in Seattle?
Top companies include Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for ml engineer in Seattle is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)