Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$122,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$109,910 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$94,650 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $122,000 | $165,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,940 | $127,050▲ | -$33,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,160 | $211,200▲ | -$55,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,200 | $264,000▲ | -$68,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,910▲ | $101,852 | +$8,058 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,062 | $152,460▲ | -$47,398 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,650▲ | $94,111 | +$539 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $43,000 more (median: $122,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($109,910 vs $101,852 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.