Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 104 certified H-1B filings for Machine Learning Engineer I positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $133,000, which is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B salaries fall between $112,362 and $148,699.
Median Salary Trend
Machine Learning Engineer I salaries have grown 11% from FY 2020 ($133,000) to FY 2026 ($147,950).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Machine Learning Engineer I
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| X CORP | 19 | $143,170 |
| 18 | $140,199 | |
| SPOTIFY USA | 13 | $153,600 |
| IQVIA | 7 | $101,470 |
| COHERE HEALTH | 4 | $109,200 |
| MINDBODY | 3 | $125,008 |
| MAPLEBEAR | 2 | $125,000 |
| NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 2 | $95,000 |
| CENTENE MANAGEMENT | 2 | $97,876 |
| EIG SERVICES | 2 | $112,362 |
Top Locations for Machine Learning Engineer I
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 16 | $144,870 |
| San Francisco, CA | 15 | $140,199 |
| Seattle, WA | 13 | $139,730 |
| Palo Alto, CA | 7 | $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 $133,000, based on 104 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 11% since FY 2020 ($133,000 → $147,950).
Salaries span a $66,170 range from the 10th percentile ($97,000) to the 90th percentile ($163,170). The middle 50% of Machine Learning Engineer Is earn between $112,362 and $148,699, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
X CORP is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 19 certified filings at a median salary of $143,170. Among the top sponsors, SPOTIFY USA pays the highest median at $153,600. The pay spread across top employers is 62%.
Geographically, New York, NY has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B filings (16) at a median of $144,870.
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 $133,000, based on 104 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 2% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $148,699 to $163,170, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $97,000 to $112,362. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $97,000
- 25th percentile
- $112,362
- Median
- $133,000
- 75th percentile
- $148,699
- 90th percentile
- $163,170
Salaries range from $97,000 at the 10th percentile to $163,170 at the 90th percentile, showing a $66,170 spread. The 25th percentile is $112,362 and the 75th percentile is $148,699.
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.
X CORP is the largest H-1B sponsor for Machine Learning Engineer I positions with 19 filings at a median salary of $143,170. PINTEREST follows with 18 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.
New York, NY has the highest concentration of Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B filings with 16 positions at a median salary of $144,870.
How have Machine Learning Engineer I salaries changed over time?
Machine Learning Engineer I H-1B salaries have grown by +11% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $133,000 to $147,950 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: $147,950 (1 certified)