Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$128,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$114,286 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$105,600 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000 | $150,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560 | $115,500▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840 | $192,000▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800 | $240,000▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $114,286▲ | $92,593 | +$21,693 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,272 | $131,670▲ | -$13,398 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $105,600▲ | $81,278 | +$24,322 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 33,600 | -5,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $22,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($114,286 vs $92,593 equivalent). Dallas, 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.