Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$92,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$110,843 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$102,419 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $136,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $104,720▲ | -$33,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $174,080▲ | -$56,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $217,600▲ | -$70,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,843▲ | $109,677 | +$1,166 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,008 | $125,664▲ | -$40,656 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,419▲ | $101,342 | +$1,077 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 30,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $44,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($110,843 vs $109,677 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.