TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary
in Alexandria, VA

Build and deploy machine learning models and AI systems at production scale. Median salary in Alexandria: $244K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$244K
per year
Take-home: $158K

Salary range in Alexandria

Entry level (25th)$181,000
Median (50th)$244,000
Senior (75th)$312,000
Top earner (90th)$399,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Alexandria, Virginia. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Alexandria

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

45% premium vs national median

Machine Learning Engineers in Alexandria earn approximately 45% higher than the US national median for this role — a $76,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Alexandria's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Strong 8.4% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 8.4% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Alexandria median reaches $365,205 in five years.

70% remote-eligible

This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally according to job-posting analysis, which significantly expands the job market for Alexandria-based Machine Learning Engineers. Many Alexandria professionals in this role are paid on the locality scale of their employer's HQ rather than Alexandria's local rate — verify which scale your offer references before negotiating.

Key facts for Alexandria

Median salary
$244K
annual
Take-home pay
$158K
after fed/state tax
COL index
145
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,400
per month
YoY growth
+8.4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Alexandria 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 $322K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Alexandria

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

HistoricalProjected
Machine Learning Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$172K$215K$259K$302K$345K201920212023202520272029
2026
$262K
projected
2027
$280K
projected
2028
$301K
projected
2029
$322K
projected
2030
$345K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$262,000+$18,000
2028 projected$280,000+$36,000
2029 projected$301,000+$57,000
2030 projected$322,000+$78,000

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 Alexandria, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Alexandria, VA is $244,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Alexandria–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 Alexandria

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Alexandria with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $181,000 and $244,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $244,000 to $312,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $312,000 to $399,000 or more.

Cost of living in Alexandria for Machine Learning Engineers

Alexandria has a cost of living index of 145 compared to the US national average of 100. Alexandria's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. 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 Alexandria-based professionals.

Machine Learning Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Alexandria (current)$244K145
Virginia Beach$165K98
Norfolk$160K95
Chesapeake$165K98
Richmond$168K98
Newport News$160K95