ML Research Engineer Salary in Louisville
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Louisville, KY. 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 |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Louisville
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $185,000 in Louisville 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 Louisville
The median ml research engineer salary in Louisville, KY 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), Louisville offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level ml research engineers in Louisville 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 Louisville.
Frequently Asked Questions: ML Research Engineer Salary in Louisville
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Louisville?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Louisville 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 Louisville?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Louisville 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 Louisville?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Louisville 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 Louisville higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Louisville 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.
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