Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$109,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$119,780 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$106,260 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $109,000 | $165,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,930 | $127,050▲ | -$43,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,520 | $211,200▲ | -$71,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,400 | $264,000▲ | -$89,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $119,780▲ | $101,852 | +$17,928 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $96,697 | $152,460▲ | -$55,763 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,260▲ | $94,111 | +$12,149 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 46,400 | -33,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $56,000 more (median: $109,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($119,780 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.