Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

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

Seattle, WA
$245,169
/ year
+25%
difference
Chicago, IL
$195,637
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$245,169✓ higher
$195,637
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$158,550✓ higher
$126,518
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$379,111✓ higher
$302,518
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$164,119✓ higher
$130,855
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$172,654✓ higher
$170,119
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$158,550✓ higher
$126,518
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$379,111✓ higher
$302,518

What if you move from Seattle to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$49,532
25% decrease
Take-home change
$33,264
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,535
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

Seattle, WA$245,169
P10: $158,550Median: $245,169P90: $379,111
Chicago, IL$195,637
P10: $126,518Median: $195,637P90: $302,518

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

Seattle vs New YorkSeattle vs Los AngelesSeattle vs HoustonSeattle vs PhoenixSeattle vs PhiladelphiaSeattle vs San AntonioAll Machine Learning Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $245,169/yr compared to $195,637/yr in Chicago, IL. Seattle pays 25% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $172,654/yr in a median-cost city, vs $170,119/yr for Chicago. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $164,119/yr, vs $130,855/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.