How Much Does a Machine Learning Engineer Earn After Taxes?
National median: $158,000/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $118,746/year take-home — 24.8% effective rate.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $105,000 | $82,254 | $6,854 | 21.7% |
| 25th Percentile | $125,000 | $96,191 | $8,016 | 23.0% |
| MedianBLS Median | $158,000 | $118,746 | $9,896 | 24.8% |
| 75th Percentile | $200,000 | $148,935 | $12,411 | 25.5% |
| 90th Percentile | $270,000 | $195,740 | $16,312 | 27.5% |
| Senior Level | $230,000 | $169,614 | $14,134 | 26.3% |
Machine Learning Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $193,945 | $128,096 | $10,675 | 34.0% |
| Washington | $180,120 | $134,114 | $11,176 | 25.5% |
| New York | $208,165 | $143,599 | $11,967 | 31.0% |
| Massachusetts | $188,810 | $131,152 | $10,929 | 30.5% |
| Texas | $171,035 | $127,655 | $10,638 | 25.4% |
About This Career
Machine learning engineers build and deploy the models that power AI products, bridging the gap between research and production systems. Demand has surged with the generative AI boom, pushing median total compensation above $200,000 at major technology companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the US?+
The national median Machine Learning Engineer salary is $158,000 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $125,000 and $200,000, while the top 10% earn over $270,000.
How much does a Machine Learning Engineer take home after taxes?+
A Machine Learning Engineer earning the median $158,000 takes home approximately $118,746 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Machine Learning Engineers earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Machine Learning Engineers are California, Washington, New York. Top cities include San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, where salaries can exceed $200,000 for experienced professionals.