Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer Salary Bands & Trajectory
Develops predictive models, LLM applications, deep learning architectures, and scalable inference pipelines.
Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer Leveling & Total Comp Matrix
Base salary percentiles, target annual bonus, annual equity grant, and median total compensation across 4 career levels.
| Level | Title & Experience | 25th %ile Base | Median Base (P50) | 75th %ile Base | 90th %ile Base | Bonus / Equity | Median Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L3 | Associate Data Scientist / ML Engineer 0 - 2 Years |
$85,000 | $102,000 | $122,000 | $140,000 | 10% / $18,000 | $130,200 |
| L4 | Data Scientist / ML Engineer II 2 - 5 Years |
$125,000 | $148,000 | $178,000 | $205,000 | 12% / $35,000 | $200,760 |
| L5 | Senior Machine Learning Engineer 5 - 8 Years |
$175,000 | $208,000 | $250,000 | $295,000 | 18% / $75,000 | $320,440 |
| L6 | Staff / Principal AI Scientist 8 - 12+ Years |
$240,000 | $285,000 | $350,000 | $420,000 | 22% / $160,000 | $507,700 |
Scope, Competencies & Promotion Criteria
Associate Data Scientist / ML Engineer
Assists in feature engineering, model training, baseline benchmarking, and data curation.
Data Scientist / ML Engineer II
Owns production ML pipelines, tunes models for inference latency & accuracy, conducts rigorous online A/B evaluations.
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Architects core AI platform, directs algorithmic strategy, aligns AI initiatives with core business revenue drivers.
Staff / Principal AI Scientist
Sets company-wide AI vision, evaluates foundational model partners, pioneers proprietary proprietary architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer salary in 2026?
Across 4 career levels, median Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer base salary ranges from $102,000 at L3 (0 - 2 Years) to $285,000 at L6 (8 - 12+ Years), with annual total compensation reaching $507,700+.
How fast are Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer salaries growing?
Current 2026 market demand for Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer is tracking at +11.2% YoY YoY across top specialties including Generative AI & LLM Fine-Tuning, Recommendation Engines, Computer Vision, MLOps & Cloud Serving.
How can I model my 5-year Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer compensation trajectory?
Launch the interactive SalaryPathGuide 5-Year Trajectory Calculator pre-loaded with Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer benchmarks to customize annual raises, promotion cycles, RSU vesting, and FIRE wealth projections.