TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$159,063/yr
Typical range: $135,154 – $166,191
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
MLOps Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
MLOps Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
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 | $73,083 | $6,090 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,279 | $7,523 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,743 | $8,479 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,793 | $9,816 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $159,063 | $13,255 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $199,474 | $16,623 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $209,576 | $17,465 | +187% |
Current Salary
$159,063
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$199,474
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+52% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead MLOps Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $159K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead MLOps Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $159K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior MLOps Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior MLOps Engineer in Austin, TX earns $135K–$166K/yr.