Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$110,843 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$102,419 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $165,000▲ | -$73,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $127,050▲ | -$56,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $211,200▲ | -$93,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $264,000▲ | -$116,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,843▲ | $101,852 | +$8,991 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,008 | $152,460▲ | -$67,452 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,419▲ | $94,111 | +$8,308 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 46,400 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $73,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($110,843 vs $101,852 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.