Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$107,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$118,889 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$106,481 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $107,000 | $136,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,390 | $104,720▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $174,080▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,200 | $217,600▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $118,889▲ | $109,677 | +$9,212 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $95,833 | $125,664▲ | -$29,831 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,481▲ | $101,342 | +$5,139 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $29,000 more (median: $107,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($118,889 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.