ML Research Engineer Salary in Raleigh
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Raleigh, NC. Ranges from $127,000 (entry-level) to $343,000 (senior). Median: $201,000.
Median (Mid)
$201,000
$96.63/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $211,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$343,000
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) | $127,000 | $152,000 | $176,000 | $73.08/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $167,000 | $201,000 | $235,000 | $96.63/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $216,000 | $279,000 | $343,000 | $134.13/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Raleigh
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $201,000 in Raleigh has the same buying power as $197,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
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 Raleigh
The median ml research engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $201,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level ml research engineers in Raleigh can expect to earn between $127,000 and $176,000 (about $73.08/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $343,000 ($343K annually, or about $164.9/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 Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions: ML Research Engineer Salary in Raleigh
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Raleigh?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Raleigh is $201,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $152,000 and senior-level pay reaches $279,000.
How much does an entry-level ml research engineer make in Raleigh?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Raleigh earn between $127,000 and $176,000, with a median of $152,000 per year (about $73.08/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a ML Research Engineer in Raleigh?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Raleigh earns roughly $73.08/hour at entry-level, $96.63/hour at mid-level, and $134.13/hour at senior-level.
Is the ML Research Engineer salary in Raleigh higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Raleigh 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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