Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$112,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$109,804 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$96,893 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,000 | $150,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,240 | $115,500▲ | -$29,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,360 | $192,000▲ | -$48,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $179,200 | $240,000▲ | -$60,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,804▲ | $92,593 | +$17,211 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $98,831 | $131,670▲ | -$32,839 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,893▲ | $81,278 | +$15,615 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 33,600 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $38,000 more (median: $112,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($109,804 vs $92,593 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.