Data Scientist vs Machine Learning Engineer: Salary Comparison
Machine Learning Engineers earn $33K more per year than Data Scientists on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Data Scientist | Machine Learning Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,500 | $136,000 |
| Entry Level | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Senior Level | $155,000 | $195,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $50/hr | $65/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's or Master's in Data Science | Master's in Computer Science or Data Science |
| Category | Technology | Technology |
Which Pays More?
On average, Machine Learning Engineers earn $33K more per year than Data Scientists, with a median salary of $136,000 versus $103,500. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Data Scientist in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $201,500 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Machine Learning Engineer. Education and credentials also play a role: Machine Learning Engineers typically require Master's in Computer Science or Data Science, while Data Scientists need Bachelor's or Master's in Data Science. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Machine Learning Engineer has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Data Scientist | Machine Learning Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $147,000 | $193,000 |
| California | $143,000 | $188,000 |
| New York | $132,000 | $174,000 |
| Alaska | $129,000 | $170,000 |
| Massachusetts | $129,000 | $170,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer pay more?
Machine Learning Engineer pays more on average at $136,000/year, compared to $103,500/year for Data Scientist — a difference of $32,500/year.
What is the salary difference between Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer?
The median salary gap is $32,500/year ($33K), with Machine Learning Engineer earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer?
Data Scientist grows from $75,000 to $155,000 (a $80,000 increase). Machine Learning Engineer grows from $95,000 to $195,000 (a $100,000 increase). Machine Learning Engineer shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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