Data Scientist vs Machine Learning Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Machine Learning Engineer
Design and deploy machine learning models to production systems.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Machine Learning Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Machine Learning Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Machine Learning Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $173,682 | Data +$3,095 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $135,980 | Data +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $174,792 | Data $1,606 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $134,974 | Data $4,241 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $129,773 | Data +$2,642 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $157,928 | Data $1,813 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £78,216 | Data +$0 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$134,265 | Data +$0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $120,230/year for a Machine Learning Engineer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Machine Learning Engineer demand is growing at 45% YoY. Machine Learning Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Machine Learning Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python, TensorFlow.
Which is harder to automate — Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.