Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$114,286 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$105,600 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000 | $165,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560 | $127,050▲ | -$28,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840 | $211,200▲ | -$47,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800 | $264,000▲ | -$59,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $114,286▲ | $101,852 | +$12,434 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,272 | $152,460▲ | -$34,188 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $105,600▲ | $94,111 | +$11,489 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $37,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($114,286 vs $101,852 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.