Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
New York, NY vs San Diego, CA

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

New York, NY
$250,510
/ year
+17%
difference
San Diego, CA
$213,380
/ year
Bottom line: New York wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
New York
San Diego
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$250,510✓ higher
$213,380
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$162,004✓ higher
$137,992
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$387,369✓ higher
$329,954
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$167,591✓ higher
$142,920
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$172,766✓ higher
$166,703
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.28×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$162,004✓ higher
$137,992
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$387,369✓ higher
$329,954

What if you move from New York to San Diego?

Gross salary change
$37,130
17% decrease
Take-home change
$24,671
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$6,063
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

New York, NY$250,510
P10: $162,004Median: $250,510P90: $387,369
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 New York or San Diego?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in New York, NY is $250,510/yr compared to $213,380/yr in San Diego, CA. New York pays 17% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $172,766/yr in a median-cost city, vs $166,703/yr for San Diego. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in New York, NY takes home approximately $167,591/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.