Vetta
View National Machine Learning Engineer Benchmark Guide
These figures are estimated from the national median for this role using a verified geographic cost-of-living multiplier for this metro area. Direct survey data is used where available.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA Market Report
Fall 2026 UpdateUpdated October 3, 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA (Fall 2026)

Critical scarcity for foundational LLM development. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA, the median annual base compensation is $218,808, representing a +35% adjustment compared to the national average.

Median Base
$218,808
Market Range (P10–P90)
$163K – $335K
3-Year Trajectory
+12.4%

Machine Learning Engineer Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA

10th Percentile
$163,350
Entry / Junior
25th Percentile
$188,306
Mid-Level
50th (Median)
$218,808
Market Midpoint
90th Percentile
$334,800
Senior / Staff

Regional Market Insights & Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA is rated as Very High. When evaluating offers in this market, total purchasing power reflects local housing and tax obligations. Compared to national baseline levels ($$162,080), candidates in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CAcommand a 35% premium based on local demand drivers.

CoL Tier: Very HighNational Median: $162,080Data Sources: Motion; Built In (calculated)
Avg Total Comp
$279,450
Experience Level
Top 10% exceeds $318k base in SF; national median trending toward $165k.

Subscribe to the newsletter to view Average Total Comp & Experience Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA?
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA, the median base salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $218,808 per year. Salaries typically range from $163K for entry-to-mid levels up to $335K for senior practitioners.
How does San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA compensation compare to the national average?
Machine Learning Engineer pay in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA is 35% above the national median ($162,080 national median). Cost of living for this market is classified as Very High.
What is the 3-year salary growth trend for Machine Learning Engineers in this market?
Compensation for Machine Learning Engineers has seen a 12.4% change over the past 3 years. Critical scarcity for foundational LLM development.
What data sources are used for this San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA benchmark?
This benchmark is compiled using Motion; Built In (calculated), with geographic adjustments based on Verified Cost of Living Indexes and local market surveys.

High Demand Track

Market demand for Machine Learning Engineer is at an all-time high. Join the Vetta Marketplace to access verified offers from employers hiring at these benchmarks.

Join Vetta Marketplace

Compare Machine Learning Engineer in Other Markets

San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA$207KNew York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA$201KBoston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH$198KSeattle-Tacoma-Bellevue WA$194KWashington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV$194KLos Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA$194K

Other Tech Salaries in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA

Software Engineer$174KSenior Software Engineer$182KAI Engineer$242KProduct Manager$190KDevOps Engineer$177KQA Engineer$178K