Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA

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

Chicago, IL
$195,637
/ year
-8%
difference
San Diego, CA
$213,380
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power (your money goes further) even if gross salary differs. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
San Diego
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$195,637
$213,380✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$126,518
$137,992✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$302,518
$329,954✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$130,855
$142,920✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$170,119✓ higher
$166,703
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×✓ lower
1.28×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$126,518
$137,992✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$302,518
$329,954✓ higher

What if you move from Chicago to San Diego?

Gross salary change
+$17,743
8% increase
Take-home change
+$12,065
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,416
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

Chicago, IL$195,637
P10: $126,518Median: $195,637P90: $302,518
San Diego, CA$213,380
P10: $137,992Median: $213,380P90: $329,954

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $195,637/yr compared to $213,380/yr in San Diego, CA. San Diego pays 8% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $170,119/yr in a median-cost city, vs $166,703/yr for San Diego. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $130,855/yr, vs $142,920/yr in San Diego, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.