TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$158,680/yr
Typical range: $150,908 – $185,563
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $158,680 | $13,223 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $196,017 | $16,335 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $220,908 | $18,409 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $255,755 | $21,313 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $345,362 | $28,780 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $433,103 | $36,092 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $455,038 | $37,920 | +187% |
Current Salary
$158,680
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$196,017
Junior · 2
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Machine Learning Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Machine Learning Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $159K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $159K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $293K–$361K/yr.