AI/ML Engineer Salary in Sacramento
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in Sacramento, CA. Ranges from $100,000 (entry-level) to $294,000 (senior). Median: $173,000.
Median (Mid)
$173,000
$83.17/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $173,000
COL Index
125
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$294,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $100,000 | $124,000 | $147,000 | $59.62/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $142,000 | $173,000 | $205,000 | $83.17/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $194,000 | $242,000 | $294,000 | $116.35/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Sacramento
A mid-level ai/ml engineer earning $173,000 in Sacramento has the same buying power as $138,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 125).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Sacramento
The median ai/ml engineer salary in Sacramento, CA is $173,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 125 (national average = 100), Sacramento offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Sacramento can expect to earn between $100,000 and $147,000 (about $59.62/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $294,000 ($294K annually, or about $141.35/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Sacramento.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Engineer Salary in Sacramento
What is the average AI/ML Engineer salary in Sacramento?+
The average AI/ML Engineer salary in Sacramento is $173,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $124,000 and senior-level pay reaches $242,000.
How much does an entry-level ai/ml engineer make in Sacramento?+
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Sacramento earn between $100,000 and $147,000, with a median of $124,000 per year (about $59.62/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a AI/ML Engineer in Sacramento?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a AI/ML Engineer in Sacramento earns roughly $59.62/hour at entry-level, $83.17/hour at mid-level, and $116.35/hour at senior-level.
Is the AI/ML Engineer salary in Sacramento higher than the US average?+
Yes — AI/ML Engineer salaries in Sacramento are about 0% higher than the US national median of $173,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a AI/ML Engineer offer in Sacramento?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Sacramento
Know Your Worth as a AI/ML Engineer in Sacramento
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers