Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$118,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$114,563 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$103,210 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000 | $136,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,860 | $104,720▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,040 | $174,080▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $188,800 | $217,600▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $114,563▲ | $109,677 | +$4,886 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $106,306 | $125,664▲ | -$19,358 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $103,210▲ | $101,342 | +$1,868 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 30,400 | -10,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($114,563 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.