Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$107,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$118,889 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$106,481 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $107,000 | $165,000▲ | -$58,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,390 | $127,050▲ | -$44,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,960 | $211,200▲ | -$74,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,200 | $264,000▲ | -$92,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $118,889▲ | $101,852 | +$17,037 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $95,833 | $152,460▲ | -$56,627 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,481▲ | $94,111 | +$12,370 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $58,000 more (median: $107,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($118,889 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.