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ML / AI Engineer Salary in San Francisco

ML / AI Engineer Salary in San Francisco

ML / AI Engineers in San Francisco earn $265K–$385K. Median: $325K. Based on 269 public job postings (2025–2026).

💰 $265K–$385K salary range

Median: $325K  ·  Based on 269 public San Francisco job postings  ·  Updated June 9, 2026


This ML / AI Engineer salary benchmark for San Francisco is built from public job postings at high-growth and AI-native companies — no private placement data. Figures reflect base salary and are refreshed as new postings are collected.

📊 Salary breakdown

ML / AI Engineer pay in San Francisco vs. national

  • San Francisco: $325K median
  • National: $240K median

San Francisco ML / AI Engineer pay runs 35% above the national median.

AI/ML salaries in San Francisco by seniority

  • ML Tech Lead: $205K
  • Senior ML Engineer: $228K
  • Staff ML Engineer: $300K
  • ML Engineering Manager: $300K
  • ML / AI Engineer: $325K

What does a ML / AI Engineer in San Francisco do?

ML / AI Engineers are machine-learning and AI engineers who build, train, and ship models into production. This benchmark reflects Mid-level base compensation for San Francisco-based roles at high-growth and AI-native companies.

Common questions

What is the average ML / AI Engineer salary in San Francisco?
The median base salary is $325K, with a typical range of $265K–$385K, based on 269 public San Francisco job postings collected in 2025–2026.

How does San Francisco compare to the national ML / AI Engineer salary?
The national median is $240K; San Francisco is shown above.

Where does this data come from?
Public job postings on company career pages — no private placement or client data. Minimum 15 San Francisco postings.

Methodology

USD base salary aggregated from 269 public job postings located in San Francisco (2025–2026). Range = 25th–75th percentile; median = 50th percentile. At least 15 San Francisco postings required to publish. Last refreshed June 9, 2026.

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