Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA

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

Los Angeles, CA
$234,282
/ year
+10%
difference
San Diego, CA
$213,380
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
San Diego
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$234,282✓ higher
$213,380
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$151,509✓ higher
$137,992
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$362,276✓ higher
$329,954
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$157,042✓ higher
$142,920
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$169,770✓ higher
$166,703
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
1.28×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$151,509✓ higher
$137,992
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$362,276✓ higher
$329,954

What if you move from Los Angeles to San Diego?

Gross salary change
$20,902
10% decrease
Take-home change
$14,122
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,067
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

Los Angeles, CA$234,282
P10: $151,509Median: $234,282P90: $362,276
San Diego, CA$213,380
P10: $137,992Median: $213,380P90: $329,954

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $234,282/yr compared to $213,380/yr in San Diego, CA. Los Angeles pays 10% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $169,770/yr in a median-cost city, vs $166,703/yr for San Diego. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $157,042/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.