Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$146,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$84,393 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$70,727 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $146,000▲ | $136,000 | +$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,420▲ | $104,720 | +$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,880▲ | $174,080 | +$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $233,600▲ | $217,600 | +$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,393 | $109,677▲ | -$25,284 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $122,358 | $125,664▲ | -$3,306 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,727 | $101,342▲ | -$30,615 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 30,400 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $10,000 more (median: $146,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($84,393 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.