Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Houston, TX

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

Boston, MA
$237,946
/ year
+48%
difference
Houston, TX
$160,805
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Houston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$237,946✓ higher
$160,805
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$153,879✓ higher
$103,992
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$367,941✓ higher
$248,657
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,424✓ higher
$107,765
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$169,961✓ higher
$164,087
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
0.98×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$153,879✓ higher
$103,992
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$367,941✓ higher
$248,657

What if you move from Boston to Houston?

Gross salary change
$77,141
48% decrease
Take-home change
$51,659
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$5,874
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
Houston, TX$160,805
P10: $103,992Median: $160,805P90: $248,657

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $237,946/yr compared to $160,805/yr in Houston, TX. Boston pays 48% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Houston 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 $164,087/yr for Houston. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $159,424/yr, vs $107,765/yr in Houston, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.