TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary
in Chesapeake, VA

Build and deploy machine learning models and AI systems at production scale. Median salary in Chesapeake: $165K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$165K
per year
Take-home: $107K

Salary range in Chesapeake

Entry level (25th)$123,000
Median (50th)$165,000
Senior (75th)$211,000
Top earner (90th)$270,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Key facts for Chesapeake

Median salary
$165K
annual
Take-home pay
$107K
after fed/state tax
COL index
98
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,400
per month
YoY growth
+8.4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chesapeake Machine Learning Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $218K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Chesapeake

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Machine Learning Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$116K$146K$175K$205K$234K201920212023202520272029
2026
$177K
projected
2027
$190K
projected
2028
$203K
projected
2029
$218K
projected
2030
$234K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$177,000+$12,000
2028 projected$190,000+$25,000
2029 projected$203,000+$38,000
2030 projected$218,000+$53,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $165,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chesapeake–VA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Machine Learning Engineer in Chesapeake

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Chesapeake with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $123,000 and $165,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $165,000 to $211,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $211,000 to $270,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chesapeake for Machine Learning Engineers

Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 2% further in Chesapeake than the national average. Virginia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Machine Learning Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS, Mathematics, or related. This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chesapeake-based professionals.

Machine Learning Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chesapeake (current)$165K98
Virginia Beach$165K98
Norfolk$160K95
Richmond$168K98
Newport News$160K95
Arlington$227K148