📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$134,680
per year
Median
$129,220
per year
Hourly
$64.75
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$88,042
25th Percentile — Junior$112,612
50th Percentile — Median$129,220
75th Percentile — Senior$167,895
90th Percentile — Top Earners$188,370
💡 Top-earning Machine Learning Engineers in North Carolina make up to $188,370 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$86.7k
2021
$94.7k
2022
$103.4k
2023
$112.9k
2024
$123.3k
2025
$134.7k
2026
📈 Machine Learning Engineer salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 9.2% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Machine Learning Engineer Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $129,293 -4.0% Very High
Raleigh $131,986 -2.0% Very High
Greensboro $121,212 -10.0% Very High
Durham $130,640 -3.0% Very High
Winston-Salem $117,172 -13.0% Very High
🔍
Machine Learning Engineer Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Machine Learning Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $134,680 per year, North Carolina's Machine Learning Engineer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $88,042–$112,612, while experienced Machine Learning Engineers can command $167,895–$188,370.

Looking ahead, the Machine Learning Engineer profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 9.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in North Carolina is $134,680 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $148,000.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Machine Learning Engineers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Machine Learning Engineer employment.
  • At $134,680/year, North Carolina Machine Learning Engineer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $148,000/year.