TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary
in Riverside, CA

Build and deploy machine learning models and AI systems at production scale. Median salary in Riverside: $198K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$198K
per year
Take-home: $121K

Salary range in Riverside

Entry level (25th)$148,000
Median (50th)$198,000
Senior (75th)$254,000
Top earner (90th)$325,000

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

Key facts for Riverside

Median salary
$198K
annual
Take-home pay
$121K
after fed/state tax
COL index
118
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,800
per month
YoY growth
+8.4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Riverside 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 $261K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Riverside

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

HistoricalProjected
Machine Learning Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$140K$175K$210K$245K$280K201920212023202520272029
2026
$212K
projected
2027
$228K
projected
2028
$244K
projected
2029
$261K
projected
2030
$280K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$212,000+$14,000
2028 projected$228,000+$30,000
2029 projected$244,000+$46,000
2030 projected$261,000+$63,000

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 Riverside, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Riverside, CA is $198,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Riverside–CA 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 Riverside

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Riverside with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $148,000 and $198,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $198,000 to $254,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $254,000 to $325,000 or more.

Cost of living in Riverside for Machine Learning Engineers

Riverside has a cost of living index of 118 compared to the US national average of 100. Riverside's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% 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 Riverside-based professionals.

Machine Learning Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Riverside (current)$198K118
Los Angeles$227K163
San Diego$218K148
San Jose$265K210
San Francisco$277K224
Fresno$160K102