Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Miami, FL vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Miami, FL and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$116,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Miami, FL
$94,309 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Miami, FL
$87,141 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $116,000 | $150,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,320 | $115,500▲ | -$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,480 | $192,000▲ | -$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $185,600 | $240,000▲ | -$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 162 | -39 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $94,309▲ | $92,593 | +$1,716 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $107,184 | $131,670▲ | -$24,486 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $87,141▲ | $81,278 | +$5,863 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 33,600 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Miami, FL minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $34,000 more (median: $116,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 123 vs 162), Miami, FL provides better purchasing power ($94,309 vs $92,593 equivalent). Miami, FL 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.