Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Salt Lake City 2026

Quick Answer

About This Data Gap

As of April 2026, detailed Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data specific to machine learning engineers in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area is not available in our current dataset. This is not uncommon for specialized technical roles, as the BLS occupational classification system (SOC codes) may group ML engineers under broader categories like “Computer and Information Research Scientists” (SOC 15-1051) or “Software Developers” (SOC 15-1252).

To get accurate salary data for machine learning engineers in Salt Lake City, we recommend:

1. Check BLS OEWS directly for related occupations in the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
2. Review H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed by tech employers in Utah, which often contain salary disclosure data for specialized roles
3. Consult specialized salary platforms like Levels.fyi, Blind Salary Sharing, and Glassdoor that focus on tech compensation

Salt Lake City’s Tech Market Context

Salt Lake City has emerged as a significant tech hub in recent years, with a growing concentration of software development, data science, and machine learning roles. The metro area includes nearby tech centers in:

• Provo — Home to major tech companies and startups
• Ogden — Growing tech employment sector
• Sandy — Suburban tech employment growth
• West Jordan — Emerging tech cluster

The region’s cost of living is generally lower than major West Coast tech hubs (San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles), which typically means ML engineer salaries are somewhat lower in absolute dollars but may offer better purchasing power.

Why Machine Learning Engineer Data Is Limited

Machine learning engineering is a specialized role that:

• Often falls under multiple SOC codes depending on the employer’s job classification
• Is concentrated in tech hubs and may not have sufficient employment data for smaller metros in BLS surveys
• Frequently involves contract, H-1B, or specialized employment arrangements not fully captured in standard wage surveys

For the most current compensation data, consult:

• H-1B visa disclosures (available at the Department of Labor website) from companies like Adobe, Domo, and other tech firms with significant Salt Lake City presence
• Company-specific salary bands published by major employers
• Tech-focused salary aggregators that compile real-time compensation data from employees

Cost of Living Considerations

While specific ML engineer salary data for Salt Lake City isn’t available here, the region’s cost of living is an important factor in evaluating compensation:

Salt Lake City offers a lower cost of living than major tech centers, meaning a salary that appears lower in nominal terms may actually provide greater purchasing power and quality of life. Housing, transportation, and general expenses are significantly lower than in Silicon Valley or Seattle, making the region attractive for remote workers and relocating professionals.

Job Outlook for Tech Roles in Utah

The broader tech sector in Utah, including machine learning and AI roles, shows strong growth prospects. The state has:

• Consistent year-over-year growth in tech employment
• A young, educated workforce
• Multiple Fortune 500 companies with significant tech operations
• A thriving startup ecosystem

FAQ

Where can I find current machine learning engineer salary data for Salt Lake City?

Since detailed BLS data isn’t available for this specialized role, start with the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS database for related occupations like “Software Developers” or “Computer and Information Research Scientists” in the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem MSA. For ML-specific compensation, check H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed by tech employers in Utah, which are publicly available through the Department of Labor website. Tech-focused platforms like Levels.fyi and Blind also aggregate real-time salary data from employees in the field.

How does Salt Lake City’s cost of living affect ML engineer compensation?

Salt Lake City’s cost of living is approximately 10-15% lower than major West Coast tech hubs, which typically translates to lower nominal salaries but better purchasing power. An ML engineer earning $140,000 in Salt Lake City may have similar or greater real purchasing power compared to a $165,000 salary in San Francisco, after accounting for housing, taxes, and living expenses. This makes the region attractive for professionals prioritizing quality of life and financial stability.

What tech companies in Salt Lake City hire machine learning engineers?

The Salt Lake City metro area hosts major tech employers including Adobe, Domo, Qualtrics, and numerous mid-size software and data companies. Many of these firms post H-1B visa positions that include salary information, providing insight into their compensation ranges. Nearby Provo is also home to significant tech employment. Check company career pages and H-1B disclosure databases for current openings and salary bands.

Is it worth relocating to Salt Lake City for an ML engineering role?

Relocation decisions depend on your current location, salary offer, and lifestyle priorities. Salt Lake City offers lower cost of living than West Coast tech hubs, strong outdoor recreation, and a growing tech ecosystem. If you’re relocating from a higher-cost region, your purchasing power may increase even if the nominal salary is lower. However, if you’re comparing to remote work or other markets, factor in housing costs, state taxes, and career growth opportunities specific to your employer.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS. Machine learning engineer-specific salary data for Salt Lake City was not available at the time of this update.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary information is based on publicly available sources and actual compensation varies by employer, experience, education, and individual qualifications. This content is informational and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always verify current data directly with the BLS, employer disclosures, and industry-specific salary resources.