Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$131,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$102,344 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$90,405 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $131,000 | $136,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,870 | $104,720▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,680 | $174,080▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,600 | $217,600▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $102,344 | $109,677▲ | -$7,333 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $115,718 | $125,664▲ | -$9,946 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $90,405 | $101,342▲ | -$10,937 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 30,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $131,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($102,344 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.