Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

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

San Francisco, CA
$281,690
/ year
+53%
difference
Philadelphia, PA
$184,100
/ year
Bottom line: Philadelphia offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$281,690✓ higher
$184,100
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$182,168✓ higher
$119,057
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$435,584✓ higher
$284,678
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$187,858✓ higher
$123,010
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$167,673
$170,463✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.08×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$182,168✓ higher
$119,057
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$435,584✓ higher
$284,678

What if you move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?

Gross salary change
$97,590
53% decrease
Take-home change
$64,848
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,790
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
Philadelphia, PA$184,100
P10: $119,057Median: $184,100P90: $284,678

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $281,690/yr compared to $184,100/yr in Philadelphia, PA. San Francisco pays 53% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in San Francisco or Philadelphia 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 $170,463/yr for Philadelphia. Philadelphia offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $187,858/yr, vs $123,010/yr in Philadelphia, PA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.