ML Research Engineer Salary in Buffalo
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Buffalo, NY. Ranges from $117,000 (entry-level) to $315,000 (senior). Median: $185,000.
Median (Mid)
$185,000
$88.94/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $194,000
COL Index
90
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$315,000
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) | $117,000 | $140,000 | $162,000 | $67.31/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $153,000 | $185,000 | $216,000 | $88.94/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $198,000 | $257,000 | $315,000 | $123.56/hr |
Got an offer? Don't leave money on the table.
Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Buffalo
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $185,000 in Buffalo has the same buying power as $206,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 90).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About ML Research Engineer Salaries in Buffalo
Bridge research and production: train novel models and ship them into real products. This page covers ml research engineer compensation specifically in Buffalo, NY.
The median ml research engineer salary in Buffalo, NY is $185,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100), Buffalo offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level ml research engineers in Buffalo can expect to earn between $117,000 and $162,000 (about $67.31/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $315,000 ($315K annually, or about $151.44/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 Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions: ML Research Engineer Salary in Buffalo
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Buffalo?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Buffalo is $185,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $140,000 and senior-level pay reaches $257,000.
How much does an entry-level ml research engineer make in Buffalo?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Buffalo earn between $117,000 and $162,000, with a median of $140,000 per year (about $67.31/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a ML Research Engineer in Buffalo?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Buffalo earns roughly $67.31/hour at entry-level, $88.94/hour at mid-level, and $123.56/hour at senior-level.
Is the ML Research Engineer salary in Buffalo higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Buffalo are about 5% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
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 ML Research Engineer offer in Buffalo?
Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.
ML Research Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Buffalo
Know Your Worth as a ML Research Engineer in Buffalo
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