Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$124,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$115,888 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$101,779 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $124,000 | $136,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,480 | $104,720▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,720 | $174,080▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,400 | $217,600▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,888▲ | $109,677 | +$6,211 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,904 | $125,664▲ | -$16,760 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,779▲ | $101,342 | +$437 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 30,400 | -2,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $12,000 more (median: $124,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($115,888 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.