Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$112,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$110,891 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$96,571 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,000 | $165,000▲ | -$53,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,240 | $127,050▲ | -$40,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,360 | $211,200▲ | -$67,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $179,200 | $264,000▲ | -$84,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,891▲ | $101,852 | +$9,039 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $97,537 | $152,460▲ | -$54,923 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,571▲ | $94,111 | +$2,460 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $53,000 more (median: $112,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($110,891 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.