Data Engineer vs Machine Learning Engineer salary
In United States, a machine learning engineer earns about 19% more than a data engineer — $180,000 vs $151,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Machine Learning Engineer$180,000/yr
- Monthly
- $15,000
- Hourly
- $87
- Range
- $107,100–$269,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +40%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Machine Learning Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $96,600 | $107,100 |
| 25th | $123,800 | $143,600 |
| Median | $151,000 | $180,000 |
| 75th | $184,200 | $224,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $217,400 | $269,100 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or machine learning engineer earn more in United States?
- A machine learning engineer earns more, at about $180,000 per year vs $151,000 for a data engineer — roughly 19% ($29,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A data engineer typically earns $96,600–$217,400, while a machine learning engineer earns $107,100–$269,100 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $12,600 and a machine learning engineer about $15,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a data engineer earns about $96,600 while a machine learning engineer earns about $107,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a data engineer earns about $217,400 while a machine learning engineer earns about $269,100 per year.
- Are data engineer and machine learning 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.