Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Columbus, OH and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$109,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$119,780 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$106,260 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $109,000 | $136,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,930 | $104,720▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,520 | $174,080▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,400 | $217,600▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 124 | -33 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $119,780▲ | $109,677 | +$10,103 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $96,697 | $125,664▲ | -$28,967 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,260▲ | $101,342 | +$4,918 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 30,400 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $27,000 more (median: $109,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 124), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($119,780 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.