Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Denver, CO and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$131,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$102,344 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,405 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $131,000 | $165,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,870 | $127,050▲ | -$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,680 | $211,200▲ | -$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,600 | $264,000▲ | -$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 162 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $102,344▲ | $101,852 | +$492 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $115,718 | $152,460▲ | -$36,742 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $90,405 | $94,111▲ | -$3,706 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 46,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $34,000 more (median: $131,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 162), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($102,344 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.