Machine Learning Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary: Washington, DC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Machine Learning Engineers in Washington, DC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Washington, DC
$147,000 vs $136,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$96,711 vs $109,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$83,552 vs $101,342
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Washington, DC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $147,000▲ | $136,000 | +$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,190▲ | $104,720 | +$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,160▲ | $174,080 | +$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $235,200▲ | $217,600 | +$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 124 | +28 |
| State Income Tax | 6.5% | 0%▲ | +6.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $96,711 | $109,677▲ | -$12,966 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $126,999▲ | $125,664 | +$1,335 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $83,552 | $101,342▲ | -$17,790 |
| Total Employment | 36,000 | 30,400 | +5,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Washington, DC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Washington, DC pays $11,000 more (median: $147,000 vs $136,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($96,711 vs $109,677 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.