Machine Learning Engineer salary: New York vs Singapore (2026)

New York pays Machine Learning Engineers 60% more than Singapore at the mid-level band — a median of $204k vs S$128k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
60%
New York wins by $76k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

New York

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
$204k
Typical range (p25–p75)
$158k$263k
Senior median
$320k
Junior median
$113k

Singapore

Median (mid-level)
S$128k
Typical range (p25–p75)
S$100kS$164k
Senior median
S$199k
Junior median
S$72k

New York vs Singapore — the verdict

New York pays Machine Learning Engineers a median of $204k per year, around 60% more than Singapore's S$128k. That's roughly $76k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. Singapore often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience band

BandNew YorkSingaporeGap
Junior$113kS$72k57%
Mid-level$204kS$128k60%
Senior$320kS$199k61%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within New York's or Singapore's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Machine Learning Engineers — New York or Singapore?

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New York pays more. The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in New York is $204k vs S$128k in Singapore — a 60% gap at the mid-level band. New York median is $204k; Singapore median is S$128k.

What's the salary gap between New York and Singapore for Machine Learning Engineers?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, New York pays 60% more than Singapore for Machine Learning Engineers. The absolute difference is roughly $76k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Machine Learning Engineers — New York or Singapore?

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Senior Machine Learning Engineers earn $320k median in New York vs S$199k in Singapore. New York maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. Singapore can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are New York and Singapore salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. New York typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 60% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →