Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Nashville, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$114,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$103,636 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$95,760 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $114,000 | $150,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,780 | $115,500▲ | -$27,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,920 | $192,000▲ | -$46,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $182,400 | $240,000▲ | -$57,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $103,636▲ | $92,593 | +$11,043 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,336 | $131,670▲ | -$26,334 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $95,760▲ | $81,278 | +$14,482 |
| Total Employment | 14,400 | 33,600 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $36,000 more (median: $114,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($103,636 vs $92,593 equivalent). Nashville, 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.