ML Technical Lead.
Denver.
$213,000
median salary, 12% above the national average
$166,000 to $277,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A ML Technical Lead in Denver earns a median of $213,000 in 2026. That is 12% above the national average. The range runs from $166,000 to $277,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $192,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$138,000
to $170,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$181,000
to $224,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$234,000
to $277,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$266,000
to $330,000
Salary trend
+8% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $88,000 to the total package.
Base
$213,000
Equity
$53,000
Bonus
$22,000
Signing
$13,000
Estimated total: $301,000
How Denver compares
Denver, CO
$213,000
Cost of living: 8% above average
National Average
$190,000
Denver is $23,000 above
ML Technical Lead salary by city
Salary by role in Denver
What you should know
Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. The city attracts remote workers and relocating companies seeking lower costs than the coasts. Salaries have climbed steadily as national employers open satellite offices and compete for Denver's growing talent pool. That is the backdrop for every ML Technical Lead offer you will see here.
One thing people overlook: taxes. Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Denver has no additional city income tax, making the overall tax burden lighter than most coastal metros. The salary on the offer letter is not the salary in your bank account. Always model your take home before you accept.
On negotiation: Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers. The range for ML Technical Leads in Denver runs from $166,000 to $277,000. 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 Deep Learning Engineer in Denver earns $212,000 (0% more)
- The highest-paying role in Denver is Technical Fellow at $370,000
Common questions.
ML Technical Lead salary in other cities
Other salaries in Denver
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