Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Minneapolis, MN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$122,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$109,910 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$94,650 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $122,000 | $150,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,940 | $115,500▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,160 | $192,000▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,200 | $240,000▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 5%▲ | +1.7999999999999998% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,910▲ | $92,593 | +$17,317 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,062 | $131,670▲ | -$26,608 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,650▲ | $81,278 | +$13,372 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 33,600 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $28,000 more (median: $122,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($109,910 vs $92,593 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 6.8%).
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.