Machine Learning Engineer Career Information

Career Growth Levels

Entry/Mid/Senior/ Experienced

Average Annual Salary

Approximately $162,297 per year in the United States

Job Growth Outlook

Projected to grow 40% by 2027

Current Job Openings

Varies by region and industry

What is a Machine Learning Engineer?

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, builds, and deploys machine learning models and systems that enable computers to learn and make decisions from data. They work at the intersection of computer science, statistics, and data science to develop algorithms that can process large datasets and generate predictive or descriptive outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities


Designing and implementing machine learning algorithms and models.
Analyzing and processing large datasets to extract meaningful insights.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate machine learning solutions into products.
Monitoring and maintaining the performance of deployed models.

Alternative Job Titles


AI Engineer
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Developer

Education and Certification

Academic Requirements

A bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer candidates with a master's degree or relevant work experience.

Professional Certifications

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Validates expertise in building, training, and deploying machine learning models on AWS.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: Demonstrates proficiency in designing and implementing AI solutions on Microsoft Azure.

Continuing Education

Ongoing education is essential to stay updated with evolving technologies, and best practices. Participation in professional development opportunities is often encouraged.

Required Competencies

Technical Skills

Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, R, Java, or C++.
Machine Learning Frameworks: Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
Data Analysis: Strong skills in data manipulation and analysis using tools like Pandas and NumPy.

Professional Skills

Analytical Thinking: Ability to solve complex problems using data-driven approaches.
Communication: Effectively conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Continuous Learning: Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in machine learning and AI.

Career Progression

Junior Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Lead AI Engineer

Director of Machine Learning