Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Denver, CO

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

Boston, MA
$222,139
/ year
+10%
difference
Denver, CO
$201,332
/ year
Bottom line: Denver offers better purchasing power despite Boston paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Denver
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$222,139✓ higher
$201,332
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$143,656✓ higher
$130,200
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$343,499✓ higher
$311,324
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$148,876✓ higher
$134,727
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$158,671
$176,607✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.14×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$143,656✓ higher
$130,200
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$343,499✓ higher
$311,324

What if you move from Boston to Denver?

Gross salary change
$20,807
10% decrease
Take-home change
$14,149
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$17,936
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$222,139
P10: $143,656Median: $222,139P90: $343,499
Denver, CO$201,332
P10: $130,200Median: $201,332P90: $311,324

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $222,139/yr compared to $201,332/yr in Denver, CO. Boston pays 10% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $158,671/yr in a median-cost city, vs $176,607/yr for Denver. Denver offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $148,876/yr, vs $134,727/yr in Denver, CO. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.