Director of Machine Learning.
Minneapolis.
$227,000
median salary, 1% above the national average
$177,000 to $295,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Director of Machine Learning offer in Minneapolis, MN, here is the reality: $177,000 to $295,000, with $227,000 as the midpoint. 1% above the national average. Model complexity, data pipeline scale, and infrastructure cost optimization are the primary drivers. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $204,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$148,000
to $182,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$193,000
to $238,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$250,000
to $295,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$284,000
to $352,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $144,000 to the total package.
Base
$227,000
Equity
$77,000
Bonus
$49,000
Signing
$18,000
Estimated total: $371,000
How Minneapolis compares
Minneapolis, MN
$227,000
Cost of living: 5% above average
National Average
$225,000
Minneapolis is $2,000 above
Director of Machine Learning salary by city
Salary by role in Minneapolis
What you should know
Here is what the Director of Machine Learning market actually looks like in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a Fortune 500 powerhouse with Target, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and 3M headquartered in the metro. The city's strong corporate base creates consistent demand across finance, healthcare, retail tech, and supply chain roles. Quality of life is high, and employers offer competitive salaries to offset the cold winters. Model complexity, data pipeline scale, and infrastructure cost optimization are the primary drivers. Director of Machine Learnings with experience across the full ML lifecycle, from research prototyping to production serving, earn more than those focused on a single phase. Domain expertise in high-stakes verticals like healthcare, finance, or autonomous systems adds measurable premiums.
Director of Machine Learnings typically earn $176,000 to $293,000, with top performers at large organizations reaching $381,000. Lateral moves into adjacent executive functions or board advisory roles are common progression paths. C-suite advancement depends on demonstrated business impact and organizational scope. In Minneapolis, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity at top-tier companies adds 30% to 60% above base salary. Annual bonuses of 15% to 25% are standard. Signing bonuses of $25,000 to $75,000 are common when changing roles. Refresher equity grants vest annually. Relocation packages and executive benefits like financial planning are typical. And on the tax side: minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85%, one of the highest state rates. There is no city income tax in Minneapolis, but the state burden significantly reduces take home pay. When someone quotes you $227,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize retention risk when negotiating. Minneapolis employers know that remote opportunities from warmer, lower tax states are a constant competitive threat. The range for Director of Machine Learnings in Minneapolis runs from $177,000 to $295,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Foundation Model Engineer in Minneapolis earns $228,000 (0% more)
- The highest-paying role in Minneapolis is Principal Quantitative Researcher at $364,000
Common questions.
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