TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$267,752/yr
Typical range: $307,217 – $377,765
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $166,123 | $13,844 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $205,211 | $17,101 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $231,270 | $19,273 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $267,752 | $22,313 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $361,563 | $30,130 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $453,419 | $37,785 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $476,383 | $39,699 | +187% |
Current Salary
$267,752
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $129/hr
Next Level Target
$361,563
Staff · 10
+$94Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Machine Learning Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $268K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $268K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $129/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $307K–$378K/yr.