About ML / LLM Engineer salaries in Manchester
ML and LLM Engineers build and deploy machine learning models, with explosive demand growth driven by generative AI adoption across UK businesses. In Manchester, the median salary for a ML / LLM Engineer is £90,000 in 2026, ranging from £70,000 at the 10th percentile to £120,000 at the 90th percentile. Year-on-year growth of +16.2% reflects exceptional demand in a competitive UK talent market.
The range reflects significant variation based on experience level, company size, sector, and specific technical skills. Senior engineers with deep specialisation in high-demand areas can exceed the 90th percentile figures shown above.
Key skills that drive salary
Professionals with expertise in PyTorch, LLM fine-tuning, RAG command the highest salaries in Manchester. Increasingly, skills in AI tooling and automation are adding a premium across all roles in this sector.
Salary by experience — Manchester
| Level | Experience | Typical range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 years | £42,000 – £57,400 | £49,000 |
| Mid-level | 3–5 years | £57,400 – £84,600 | £73,800 |
| Senior | 6–9 years | £70,000 – £102,000 | £90,000 |
| Lead / Principal | 10+ years | £94,500 – £120,000 | £103,500 |
Same role across UK cities
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