TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$328,766/yr
Typical range: $279,349 – $343,499
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $151,055 | $12,588 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $186,597 | $15,550 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $210,292 | $17,524 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $243,464 | $20,289 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $328,766 | $27,397 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $412,290 | $34,358 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $433,171 | $36,098 | +187% |
Current Salary
$328,766
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $158/hr
Next Level Target
$412,290
Principal · 14
+$84Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $329K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $329K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $158/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA earns $279K–$343K/yr.