Salary Comparison

Machine Learning Engineer Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs San Antonio, TX

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

Washington DC, DC
$237,705
/ year
+58%
difference
San Antonio, TX
$150,432
/ year
Bottom line: San Antonio offers better purchasing power despite Washington DC paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Washington DC
San Antonio
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$237,705✓ higher
$150,432
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$153,723✓ higher
$97,284
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$367,569✓ higher
$232,616
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,267✓ higher
$101,505
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$167,398
$170,945✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
0.88×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$153,723✓ higher
$97,284
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$367,569✓ higher
$232,616

What if you move from Washington DC to San Antonio?

Gross salary change
$87,273
58% decrease
Take-home change
$57,762
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,547
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
San Antonio, TX$150,432
P10: $97,284Median: $150,432P90: $232,616

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $237,705/yr compared to $150,432/yr in San Antonio, TX. Washington DC pays 58% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning Engineer salary worth more in Washington DC or San Antonio 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 $170,945/yr for San Antonio. San Antonio offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $159,267/yr, vs $101,505/yr in San Antonio, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.