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.
$260,551/yr
Typical range: $221,388 – $272,227
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 | $119,713 | $9,976 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $147,880 | $12,323 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,659 | $13,888 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $192,949 | $16,079 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $260,551 | $21,713 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $326,745 | $27,229 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $343,294 | $28,608 | +187% |
Current Salary
$260,551
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $125/hr
Next Level Target
$326,745
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential 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 $261K 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 $261K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $125/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 $221K–$272K/yr.