Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 118 certified H-1B filings for Machine Learning Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $135,891, which is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $115,000 and $150,000.
Median Salary Trend
Machine Learning Engineer I salaries have grown 23% from FY 2020 ($133,000) to FY 2026 ($163,322).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Machine Learning Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $148,699 | |
| 16 | $141,800 | |
| SPOTIFY USA | 13 | $153,600 |
| IQVIA | 7 | $101,470 |
| COHERE HEALTH | 4 | $109,200 |
| MINDBODY | 3 | $125,008 |
| 3 | $150,000 | |
| MAPLEBEAR | 2 | $125,000 |
| NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 2 | $95,000 |
| CENTENE MANAGEMENT | 2 | $97,876 |
Top Locations for Machine Learning Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | 19 | $140,199 |
| New York, NY | 19 | $150,000 |
| Seattle, WA | 16 | $145,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 10 | $140,199 |
| Boston, MA | 6 | $144,100 |
| San Diego, CA | 4 | $121,597 |
| Austin, TX | 3 | $112,362 |
| Atlanta, GA | 2 | $109,200 |
| Vienna, VA | 2 | $95,000 |
| Durham, NC | 2 | $123,586 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Machine Learning Engineer I is $135,891, based on 118 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 23% since FY 2020 ($133,000 → $163,322).
Salaries span a $72,384 range from the 10th percentile ($97,157) to the 90th percentile ($169,541). The middle 50% of Machine Learning Engineer Is earn between $115,000 and $150,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
PINTEREST is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 30 certified filings at a median salary of $148,699. Among the top sponsors, SPOTIFY USA pays the highest median at $153,600. The pay spread across top employers is 62%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B filings (19) at a median of $140,199. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is New York, NY at $150,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Machine Learning Engineer I positions is $135,891, based on 118 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $150,000 to $169,541, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $97,157 to $115,000. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $97,157
- 25th percentile
- $115,000
- Median
- $135,891
- 75th percentile
- $150,000
- 90th percentile
- $169,541
Salaries range from $97,157 at the 10th percentile to $169,541 at the 90th percentile, showing a $72,384 spread. The 25th percentile is $115,000 and the 75th percentile is $150,000.
Which companies hire the most Machine Learning Engineer Is on H-1B?
Healthcare organizations, hospitals, and medical systems are the primary H-1B sponsors for Machine Learning Engineer I positions. These employers seek qualified international professionals to address workforce needs in patient care, medical research, and specialized clinical services. Compensation reflects regional healthcare markets and specialty demands.
PINTEREST is the largest H-1B sponsor for Machine Learning Engineer I positions with 30 filings at a median salary of $148,699. TWITTER follows with 16 filings.
Where are Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B jobs located?
Machine Learning Engineer I 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 Engineer Is 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 Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B filings with 19 positions at a median salary of $140,199. The highest-paying location is New York, NY at $150,000 median.
How have Machine Learning Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +23% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $133,000 to $163,322 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: $135,000 (19 certified)
- FY 2023: $142,800 (17 certified)
- FY 2024: $132,811 (15 certified)
- FY 2025: $118,414 (23 certified)
- FY 2026: $163,322 (15 certified)