Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$165,000 vs $131,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$101,852 vs $102,344
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$94,111 vs $90,405
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $165,000▲ | $131,000 | +$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,050▲ | $100,870 | +$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,200▲ | $167,680 | +$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $264,000▲ | $209,600 | +$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,852 | $102,344▲ | -$492 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $152,460▲ | $115,718 | +$36,742 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $94,111▲ | $90,405 | +$3,706 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 22,400 | +24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $34,000 more (median: $165,000 vs $131,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($101,852 vs $102,344 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.