Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$124,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$115,888 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$101,779 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $124,000 | $165,000▲ | -$41,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,480 | $127,050▲ | -$31,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,720 | $211,200▲ | -$52,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,400 | $264,000▲ | -$65,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,888▲ | $101,852 | +$14,036 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,904 | $152,460▲ | -$43,556 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,779▲ | $94,111 | +$7,668 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $41,000 more (median: $124,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($115,888 vs $101,852 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.