Machine Learning Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In Germany, a software engineer earns about 22% more than a machine learning engineer — $132,301 vs $108,008 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is EUR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Technology
Machine Learning Engineer$108,008/yr
- Monthly
- $9,010
- Hourly
- $52
- Range
- $64,211–$161,498
- 10-yr outlook
- +40%
Pays more
Technology
Software Engineer$132,301/yr
- Monthly
- $11,063
- Hourly
- $64
- Range
- $84,627–$190,468
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Machine Learning Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $64,211 | $84,627 |
| 25th | $86,110 | $108,464 |
| Median | $108,008 | $132,301 |
| 75th | $134,696 | $161,384 |
| Senior (90th) | $161,498 | $190,468 |
National Germany figures in EUR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a machine learning engineer or software engineer earn more in Germany?
- A software engineer earns more, at about 116.000 € per year vs 94.700 € for a machine learning engineer — roughly 22% (21.300 €) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Germany?
- A machine learning engineer typically earns 56.300 €–141.600 €, while a software engineer earns 74.200 €–167.000 € per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Germany?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a machine learning engineer averages about 7.900 € and a software engineer about 9.700 €.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Germany, a machine learning engineer earns about 56.300 € while a software engineer earns about 74.200 € per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Germany, a machine learning engineer earns about 141.600 € while a software engineer earns about 167.000 € per year.
- Are machine learning engineer and software engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.