TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$183,239/yr
Typical range: $155,696 – $191,450
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $84,191 | $7,016 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,000 | $8,667 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,207 | $9,767 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $135,696 | $11,308 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $183,239 | $15,270 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $229,791 | $19,149 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $241,430 | $20,119 | +187% |
Current Salary
$183,239
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$229,791
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $183K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $183K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $156K–$191K/yr.