Salary Comparison

AI Engineer Salary:
New York, NY vs Toronto

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

New York, NY
$220,598
/ year
+123%
difference
Toronto
$98,724
/ year
Bottom line: New York wins on all three metrics โ€” higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? โ†’
Metric
New York
Toronto
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$220,598โœ“ higher
$98,724
Entry Level
0โ€“2 years experience
$142,660โœ“ higher
$65,502
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$341,116โœ“ higher
$148,795
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$147,828โœ“ higher
$67,132
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$152,137โœ“ higher
$78,979
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45ร—
1.25ร—โœ“ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$142,660โœ“ higher
$89,083
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$341,116โœ“ higher
$202,361

What if you move from New York to Toronto?

Gross salary change
$121,874
123% decrease
Take-home change
$80,696
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$73,158
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00ร—). Full methodology โ†’

Salary Range Comparison

New York, NY$220,598
P10: $142,660Median: $220,598P90: $341,116
Toronto$98,724
P10: $89,083Median: $98,724P90: $202,361

Frequently Asked Questions

โ–ถDoes a AI Engineer earn more in New York or Toronto?

The median AI Engineer salary in New York, NY is $220,598/yr compared to CA$134,265/yr in Toronto. New York pays 123% more in gross terms.

โ–ถIs a AI Engineer salary worth more in New York or Toronto after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $152,137/yr in a median-cost city, vs $78,979/yr for Toronto. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

โ–ถWhat is the take-home pay for a AI Engineer in New York vs Toronto?

After estimated taxes, a AI Engineer in New York, NY takes home approximately $147,828/yr, vs $67,132/yr in Toronto. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.