Machine Learning Engineer vs MLOps 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.
MLOps Engineer
Build and maintain infrastructure for deploying machine learning models at scale.
Machine Learning Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $21,100/year (21%) higher than a MLOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Machine Learning Engineer vs MLOps Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Machine Learning Engineer | MLOps Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,682 | $144,519 | Machine +$29,163 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $119,390 | Machine +$16,590 |
| Seattle, WA | $174,792 | $139,997 | Machine +$34,795 |
| Austin, TX | $134,974 | $107,475 | Machine +$27,499 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,773 | $108,552 | Machine +$21,221 |
| Boston, MA | $157,928 | $133,124 | Machine +$24,804 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £79,867 | Machine $1,651 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$130,108 | Machine +$4,157 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Machine Learning Engineer or MLOps 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 $99,130/year for a MLOps Engineer — a difference of $21,100 (21%).
Which has better career growth — Machine Learning Engineer or MLOps Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer roles are growing at 45% YoY while MLOps Engineer demand is growing at 52% YoY. MLOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Machine Learning Engineer to MLOps Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python, Kubernetes.
Which is harder to automate — Machine Learning Engineer or MLOps Engineer?+
MLOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.