Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Austin, TX and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$136,000 vs $131,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$109,677 vs $102,344
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$101,342 vs $90,405
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $136,000▲ | $131,000 | +$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,720▲ | $100,870 | +$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,080▲ | $167,680 | +$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $217,600▲ | $209,600 | +$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 128 | -4 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,677▲ | $102,344 | +$7,333 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $125,664▲ | $115,718 | +$9,946 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,342▲ | $90,405 | +$10,937 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 22,400 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $136,000 vs $131,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 128), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($109,677 vs $102,344 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.