Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$141,000 vs $165,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,763 vs $101,852
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,742 vs $94,111
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $141,000 | $165,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,570 | $127,050▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,480 | $211,200▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,600 | $264,000▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $92,763 | $101,852▲ | -$9,089 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,168 | $152,460▲ | -$34,292 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $77,742 | $94,111▲ | -$16,369 |
| Total Employment | 19,200 | 46,400 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $24,000 more (median: $141,000 vs $165,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($92,763 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.