Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$122,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$109,910 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$94,650 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $122,000 | $136,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,940 | $104,720▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,160 | $174,080▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,200 | $217,600▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,910▲ | $109,677 | +$233 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,062 | $125,664▲ | -$20,602 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,650 | $101,342▲ | -$6,692 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 30,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $122,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($109,910 vs $109,677 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.