Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Memphis, TN vs New York, NY
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Memphis, TN and New York, NY, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ New York, NY
$92,000 vs $163,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$110,843 vs $87,166
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$102,419 vs $75,024
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | New York, NY | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $163,000▲ | -$71,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $125,510▲ | -$54,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $208,640▲ | -$90,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $260,800▲ | -$113,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 187 | -104 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 6.85% | -6.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,843▲ | $87,166 | +$23,677 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,008 | $140,295▲ | -$55,287 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,419▲ | $75,024 | +$27,395 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 54,400 | -48,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus New York, NY.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, New York, NY pays $71,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $163,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 187), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($110,843 vs $87,166 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.