Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Raleigh, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$121,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$117,476 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$103,663 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $121,000 | $150,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,170 | $115,500▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,880 | $192,000▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $193,600 | $240,000▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $117,476▲ | $92,593 | +$24,883 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $106,773 | $131,670▲ | -$24,897 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $103,663▲ | $81,278 | +$22,385 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 33,600 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $29,000 more (median: $121,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($117,476 vs $92,593 equivalent). Raleigh, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.