Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 2,106 certified H-1B filings for Senior Machine Learning Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $179,837, which is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $142,501 and $205,000.
Median Salary Trend
Senior Machine Learning Engineer salaries have grown 32% from FY 2020 ($150,000) to FY 2026 ($197,312).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Senior Machine Learning Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| QUALCOMM | 156 | $133,000 |
| 92 | $180,128 | |
| X CORP | 70 | $188,300 |
| MAPLEBEAR | 66 | $195,000 |
| CRUISE | 57 | $210,000 |
| UBER | 41 | $207,300 |
| SPOTIFY USA | 39 | $243,920 |
| TESLA | 38 | $211,500 |
| SERVICENOW | 34 | $167,149 |
| ROBLOX | 25 | $273,070 |
Top Locations for Senior Machine Learning Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA (all jobs) | 309 | $191,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 177 | $190,000 |
| San Diego, CA (all jobs) | 148 | $133,000 |
| Palo Alto, CA (all jobs) | 142 | $199,534 |
| Seattle, WA (all jobs) | 106 | $180,000 |
| San Jose, CA (all jobs) | 96 | $190,000 |
| Santa Clara, CA (all jobs) | 78 | $184,662 |
| Sunnyvale, CA (all jobs) | 68 | $205,000 |
| Mountain View, CA (all jobs) | 59 | $211,000 |
| Austin, TX | 49 | $145,400 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Senior Machine Learning Engineer is $179,837, based on 2,106 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 32% since FY 2020 ($150,000 → $197,312).
Salaries span a $107,030 range from the 10th percentile ($124,987) to the 90th percentile ($232,017). The middle 50% of Senior Machine Learning Engineers earn between $142,501 and $205,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 156 certified filings at a median salary of $133,000. Among the top sponsors, ROBLOX pays the highest median at $273,070. The pay spread across top employers is 105%.
Geographically, San Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings (309) at a median of $191,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Mountain View, CA at $211,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Senior Machine Learning Engineer positions is $179,837, based on 2,106 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 38% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $205,000 to $232,017, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $124,987 to $142,501. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $124,987
- 25th percentile
- $142,501
- Median
- $179,837
- 75th percentile
- $205,000
- 90th percentile
- $232,017
Salaries range from $124,987 at the 10th percentile to $232,017 at the 90th percentile, showing a $107,030 spread. The 25th percentile is $142,501 and the 75th percentile is $205,000.
Which companies hire the most Senior Machine Learning Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Senior 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.
QUALCOMM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Senior Machine Learning Engineer positions with 156 filings at a median salary of $133,000. PINTEREST follows with 92 filings.
Where are Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Senior 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 Senior 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 Francisco, CA has the highest concentration of Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B filings with 309 positions at a median salary of $191,000. The highest-paying location is Palo Alto, CA at $199,534 median.
How have Senior Machine Learning Engineer salaries changed over time?
Senior Machine Learning Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +32% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $150,000 to $197,312 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: $174,000 (285 certified)
- FY 2023: $170,000 (337 certified)
- FY 2024: $185,000 (411 certified)
- FY 2025: $185,000 (639 certified)
- FY 2026: $197,312 (116 certified)