Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs Houston, TX

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

Washington DC, DC
$237,705
/ year
+48%
difference
Houston, TX
$160,805
/ year
Bottom line: Washington DC wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Washington DC
Houston
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$237,705✓ higher
$160,805
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$153,723✓ higher
$103,992
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$367,569✓ higher
$248,657
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,267✓ higher
$107,765
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$167,398✓ higher
$164,087
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
0.98×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$153,723✓ higher
$103,992
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$367,569✓ higher
$248,657

What if you move from Washington DC to Houston?

Gross salary change
$76,900
48% decrease
Take-home change
$51,502
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,311
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

Washington DC, DC$237,705
P10: $153,723Median: $237,705P90: $367,569
Houston, TX$160,805
P10: $103,992Median: $160,805P90: $248,657

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Machine Learning Engineer earn more in Washington DC or Houston?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $237,705/yr compared to $160,805/yr in Houston, TX. Washington DC pays 48% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in Washington DC or Houston after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Washington DC salary has the purchasing power of $167,398/yr in a median-cost city, vs $164,087/yr for Houston. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC vs Houston?

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $159,267/yr, vs $107,765/yr in Houston, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.