Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Indianapolis, IN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$105,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$116,667 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$104,404 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $150,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850 | $115,500▲ | -$34,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400 | $192,000▲ | -$57,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000 | $240,000▲ | -$72,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15%▲ | 5% | -1.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $116,667▲ | $92,593 | +$24,074 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $93,964 | $131,670▲ | -$37,706 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $104,404▲ | $81,278 | +$23,126 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 33,600 | -21,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $45,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($116,667 vs $92,593 equivalent). Indianapolis, IN has the lower state tax rate (3.15% vs 5%).
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.