TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$280,981/yr
Typical range: $238,747 – $293,573
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $129,099 | $10,758 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,476 | $13,290 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,727 | $14,977 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $208,078 | $17,340 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $280,981 | $23,415 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $352,365 | $29,364 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $370,211 | $30,851 | +187% |
Current Salary
$280,981
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $135/hr
Next Level Target
$352,365
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $281K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $281K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $135/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Austin, TX earns $239K–$294K/yr.