Machine Learning Engineer vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Machine Learning Engineer
Design and deploy machine learning models to production systems.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Machine Learning Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $145/year (0%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Machine Learning Engineer vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Machine Learning Engineer | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,682 | $171,525 | Machine +$2,157 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $147,203 | Machine $11,223 |
| Seattle, WA | $174,792 | $173,765 | Machine +$1,027 |
| Austin, TX | $134,974 | $131,230 | Machine +$3,744 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,773 | $125,515 | Machine +$4,258 |
| Boston, MA | $157,928 | $158,382 | Machine $454 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £93,991 | Machine $15,775 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$163,067 | Machine $28,802 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Machine Learning Engineer or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Machine Learning Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $145 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Machine Learning Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer roles are growing at 45% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Machine Learning Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Machine Learning Engineer to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Machine Learning Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.