TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 97/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$153,633/yr
Typical range: $136,656 – $156,454
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $70,588 | $5,882 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,197 | $7,266 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $98,270 | $8,189 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,771 | $9,481 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $153,633 | $12,803 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $192,664 | $16,055 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $202,422 | $16,869 | +187% |
Current Salary
$153,633
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $74/hr
Next Level Target
$192,664
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $154K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $154K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $74/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $137K–$156K/yr.