Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$121,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$117,476 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$103,663 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $121,000 | $136,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,170 | $104,720▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,880 | $174,080▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $193,600 | $217,600▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $117,476▲ | $109,677 | +$7,799 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $106,773 | $125,664▲ | -$18,891 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $103,663▲ | $101,342 | +$2,321 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 30,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $15,000 more (median: $121,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($117,476 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.