Machine Learning Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 5,903 certified H-1B filings for Machine Learning Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $157,477, which is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $123,656 and $190,958.
Median Salary Trend
Machine Learning Engineer salaries have grown 31% from FY 2020 ($138,000) to FY 2026 ($180,710).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Machine Learning Engineer
Top Locations for Machine Learning Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 749 | $184,662 |
| Cupertino, CA (all jobs) | 530 | $190,489 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 427 | $151,819 |
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 412 | $165,000 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 388 | $165,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 268 | $187,712 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 251 | $184,080 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 212 | $170,522 |
| Bellevue, WA (all jobs) | 186 | $185,000 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 140 | $126,880 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Machine Learning Engineer is $157,477, based on 5,903 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 31% since FY 2020 ($138,000 → $180,710).
Salaries span a $126,179 range from the 10th percentile ($98,821) to the 90th percentile ($225,000). The middle 50% of Machine Learning Engineers earn between $123,656 and $190,958, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 1,005 certified filings at a median salary of $185,000. Among the top sponsors, TIKTOK U.S. DATA SECURITY pays the highest median at $220,000. The pay spread across top employers is 79%.
Geographically, San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings (749) at a median of $184,662. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Cupertino, CA at $190,489.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Machine Learning Engineer positions is $157,477, based on 5,903 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 21% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $190,958 to $225,000, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $98,821 to $123,656. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $98,821
- 25th percentile
- $123,656
- Median
- $157,477
- 75th percentile
- $190,958
- 90th percentile
- $225,000
Salaries range from $98,821 at the 10th percentile to $225,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $126,179 spread. The 25th percentile is $123,656 and the 75th percentile is $190,958.
Which companies hire the most Machine Learning Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Machine Learning Engineer positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
APPLE is the largest H-1B sponsor for Machine Learning Engineer positions with 1,005 filings at a median salary of $185,000. ADOBE follows with 406 filings.
Where are Machine Learning Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Machine Learning Engineer H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Machine Learning Engineers across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
San Jose, CA has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings with 749 positions at a median salary of $184,662. The highest-paying location is Cupertino, CA at $190,489 median.
How have Machine Learning Engineer salaries changed over time?
Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +31% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $138,000 to $180,710 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $157,477 (900 certified)
- FY 2023: $159,280 (794 certified)
- FY 2024: $170,522 (1,128 certified)
- FY 2025: $160,000 (1,702 certified)
- FY 2026: $180,710 (209 certified)