SF ML engineers are the highest-paid H1B workers in the US after quant researchers. OpenAI, Google Brain, and Anthropic pay $250K–$400K+ for senior MLE roles. San Francisco pays the highest ML engineer wages globally. The generative AI boom since 2023 has driven MLE salaries 40–60% above pre-ChatGPT levels.
Key fact: San Francisco pays the highest ML engineer wages globally. The generative AI boom since 2023 has driven MLE salaries 40–60% above pre-ChatGPT levels.
| Role | Median |
|---|---|
| MLE L3 | $178,000 |
| Senior MLE L4 | $228,000 |
| Staff MLE L5 | $285,000 |
| Principal MLE L6 | $345,000 |
| Distinguished MLE | $425,000 |
Source: DOL LCA disclosures, FY2024.
| Employer | Median Wage |
|---|---|
| OpenAI | $295,000 |
| Google DeepMind | $312,000 |
| Anthropic | $285,000 |
| Meta AI | $275,000 |
| Nvidia | $265,000 |
| Stripe | $242,000 |