Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$165,000 vs $150,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$101,852 vs $92,593
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$94,111 vs $81,278
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $165,000▲ | $150,000 | +$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,050▲ | $115,500 | +$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,200▲ | $192,000 | +$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $264,000▲ | $240,000 | +$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,852▲ | $92,593 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $152,460▲ | $131,670 | +$20,790 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,111▲ | $81,278 | +$12,833 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 33,600 | +12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $165,000 vs $150,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($101,852 vs $92,593 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.