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.

$112,812/yr

Typical range: $107,287 $131,924

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$112,812$9,401
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$139,356$11,613+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$157,052$13,088+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$181,826$15,152+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$245,532$20,461+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$307,910$25,659+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$323,505$26,959+187%
Current Salary
$112,812
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$139,356
Junior · 2
+$27Kpotential 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 $113K 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 $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/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 $209K–$257K/yr.