Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Singapore vs Los Angeles, CA

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

Singapore
$76,508
/ year
-67%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$234,282
/ 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
Singapore
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$76,508
$234,282✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$50,762
$151,509✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$115,311
$362,276✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$55,851
$157,042✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$54,649
$169,770✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$68,021
$151,509✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$154,517
$362,276✓ higher

What if you move from Singapore to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
+$157,774
67% increase
Take-home change
+$101,191
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$115,121
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

Singapore$76,508
P10: $68,021Median: $76,508P90: $154,517
Los Angeles, CA$234,282
P10: $151,509Median: $234,282P90: $362,276

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixAll Machine Learning Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Singapore is S$102,521/yr compared to $234,282/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles pays 67% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Singapore salary has the purchasing power of $54,649/yr in a median-cost city, vs $169,770/yr for Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Singapore takes home approximately $55,851/yr, vs $157,042/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.