Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$146,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,393 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$70,727 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $146,000 | $165,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,420 | $127,050▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,880 | $211,200▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $233,600 | $264,000▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,393 | $101,852▲ | -$17,459 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $122,358 | $152,460▲ | -$30,102 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,727 | $94,111▲ | -$23,384 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 46,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $19,000 more (median: $146,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($84,393 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.