Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

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

Boston, MA
$237,946
/ year
+22%
difference
Chicago, IL
$195,637
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite Boston paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$237,946✓ higher
$195,637
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$153,879✓ higher
$126,518
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$367,941✓ higher
$302,518
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,424✓ higher
$130,855
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$169,961
$170,119✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$153,879✓ higher
$126,518
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$367,941✓ higher
$302,518

What if you move from Boston to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$42,309
22% decrease
Take-home change
$28,569
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$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 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Boston, MA$237,946
P10: $153,879Median: $237,946P90: $367,941
Chicago, IL$195,637
P10: $126,518Median: $195,637P90: $302,518

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Machine Learning Engineer earn more in Boston or Chicago?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $237,946/yr compared to $195,637/yr in Chicago, IL. Boston pays 22% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $169,961/yr in a median-cost city, vs $170,119/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Machine Learning Engineer in Boston vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $159,424/yr, vs $130,855/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.