Machine Learning Engineer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Machine Learning Engineers earn a national median of $112,590/yr with 33.5% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$112,590
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
33.5%
Much faster than average
Employed Nationally
233,440
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Machine Learning Engineer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Machine Learning Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Machine Learning Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Machine Learning Engineer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 33.5% for Machine Learning Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's much faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 233,440
- Projected Growth
- 33.5%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Machine Learning Engineer do?
- Machine Learning Engineers apply expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking.
- How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make?
- The national median salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $112,590 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Machine Learning Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Machine Learning Engineer roles is projected to grow 33.5% over the 2024–2034 decade — much faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 233,440 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Machine Learning Engineer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Machine Learning Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Machine Learning Engineers need?
- The most important skills for Machine Learning Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring. Key tools and technologies include: Amazon Web Services AWS software, Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, C, C++.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.