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.
$258,692/yr
Typical range: $219,808 – $270,285
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 | $118,859 | $9,905 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $146,825 | $12,235 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,470 | $13,789 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $191,572 | $15,964 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $258,692 | $21,558 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $324,414 | $27,035 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $340,844 | $28,404 | +187% |
Current Salary
$258,692
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$324,414
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $259K 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 $259K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/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 $220K–$270K/yr.