Software Engineer 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.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Machine Learning Engineer
Design and deploy machine learning models to production systems.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $15,750/year (13%) higher than a Machine Learning Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Machine Learning Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Machine Learning Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $173,682 | Software +$21,268 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $135,980 | Software +$30,850 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $174,792 | Software +$14,676 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $134,974 | Software +$13,860 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $129,773 | Software +$20,193 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $157,928 | Software +$18,614 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £78,216 | Software $4,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$134,265 | Software $8,113 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Machine Learning Engineer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $120,230/year for a Machine Learning Engineer — a difference of $15,750 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Machine Learning Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Machine Learning Engineer demand is growing at 45% YoY. Machine Learning Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Machine Learning 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 — Software Engineer or Machine Learning Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.