TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$363,873/yr
Typical range: $309,180 – $380,179
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $167,185 | $13,932 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $206,522 | $17,210 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $232,747 | $19,396 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $269,463 | $22,455 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $363,873 | $30,323 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $456,316 | $38,026 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $479,427 | $39,952 | +187% |
Current Salary
$363,873
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $175/hr
Next Level Target
$456,316
Principal · 14
+$92Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $364K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $364K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $175/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $309K–$380K/yr.