Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$121,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$112,037 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$97,839 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $121,000 | $136,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,170 | $104,720▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,880 | $174,080▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $193,600 | $217,600▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,037▲ | $109,677 | +$2,360 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,666 | $125,664▲ | -$19,998 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,839 | $101,342▲ | -$3,503 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 30,400 | -6,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $15,000 more (median: $121,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($112,037 vs $109,677 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.