Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Washington DC, DC

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

Boston, MA
$222,139
/ year
-5%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$233,353
/ year
Bottom line: Washington DC wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$222,139
$233,353✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$143,656
$150,908✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$343,499
$360,839✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$148,876
$156,439✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$158,671
$164,333✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$143,656
$150,908✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$343,499
$360,839✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$11,214
5% increase
Take-home change
+$7,563
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$5,662
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
Washington DC, DC$233,353
P10: $150,908Median: $233,353P90: $360,839

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $222,139/yr compared to $233,353/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 5% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Washington DC 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 $164,333/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $148,876/yr, vs $156,439/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.