Salary Comparison

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

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

San Francisco, CA
$281,690
/ year
+12%
difference
New York, NY
$250,510
/ year
Bottom line: New York offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
New York
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$281,690✓ higher
$250,510
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$182,168✓ higher
$162,004
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$435,584✓ higher
$387,369
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$187,858✓ higher
$167,591
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$167,673
$172,766✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.45×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$182,168✓ higher
$162,004
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$435,584✓ higher
$387,369

What if you move from San Francisco to New York?

Gross salary change
$31,180
12% decrease
Take-home change
$20,267
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$5,093
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

San Francisco, CA$281,690
P10: $182,168Median: $281,690P90: $435,584
New York, NY$250,510
P10: $162,004Median: $250,510P90: $387,369

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Machine Learning Engineer earn more in San Francisco or New York?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $281,690/yr compared to $250,510/yr in New York, NY. San Francisco pays 12% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $167,673/yr in a median-cost city, vs $172,766/yr for New York. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $187,858/yr, vs $167,591/yr in New York, NY. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.