Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$95,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$110,465 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$97,221 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $136,000▲ | -$41,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $104,720▲ | -$31,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $174,080▲ | -$52,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $217,600▲ | -$65,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,465▲ | $109,677 | +$788 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $83,610 | $125,664▲ | -$42,054 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,221 | $101,342▲ | -$4,121 |
| Total Employment | 7,200 | 30,400 | -23,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $41,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($110,465 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.