AI/ML Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in Seattle, WA. Ranges from $116,000 (entry-level) to $342,000 (senior). Median: $201,000.
Median (Mid)
$201,000
$96.63/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $201,000
COL Index
155
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$342,000
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) | $116,000 | $144,000 | $171,000 | $69.23/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $165,000 | $201,000 | $238,000 | $96.63/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $226,000 | $281,000 | $342,000 | $135.1/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Seattle
A mid-level ai/ml engineer earning $201,000 in Seattle has the same buying power as $130,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 155).
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 Seattle
The median ai/ml engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $201,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 155 (national average = 100), Seattle offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Seattle can expect to earn between $116,000 and $171,000 (about $69.23/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $342,000 ($342K annually, or about $164.42/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 Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Engineer Salary in Seattle
What is the average AI/ML Engineer salary in Seattle?+
The average AI/ML Engineer salary in Seattle is $201,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $144,000 and senior-level pay reaches $281,000.
How much does an entry-level ai/ml engineer make in Seattle?+
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Seattle earn between $116,000 and $171,000, with a median of $144,000 per year (about $69.23/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a AI/ML Engineer in Seattle?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a AI/ML Engineer in Seattle earns roughly $69.23/hour at entry-level, $96.63/hour at mid-level, and $135.1/hour at senior-level.
Is the AI/ML Engineer salary in Seattle higher than the US average?+
Yes — AI/ML Engineer salaries in Seattle are about 0% higher than the US national median of $201,000.
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.
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