Job Salary Guide · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary After Tax in Waterloo
Based on BLS OEWS data · IA · Single filer
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Range
25th Percentile
$110,000
Take-home:
$81,591
$6,799/mo
Entry to mid-level
Median
$140,000
Take-home:
$101,123
$8,427/mo
Typical salary
75th Percentile
$180,000
Take-home:
$127,185
$10,599/mo
Senior / specialist
Tax Breakdown
At median salary of $140,000
Cost of Living in Waterloo
1BR Monthly Rent
$880/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,100/mo
COL Index
0.82
Comfortable Rent Max
$2,106/mo
50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner
Based on your monthly take-home of $8,427 ($101,124/yr)
$4,214
per month
- ›Rent / mortgage
- ›Groceries
- ›Utilities
- ›Insurance
- ›Minimum debt payments
- ›Transportation
$2,528
per month
- ›Dining out
- ›Streaming services
- ›Gym
- ›Hobbies
- ›Travel
- ›Shopping
$1,685
per month
- ›Emergency fund
- ›401(k) / IRA
- ›Investments
- ›Down payment fund
- ›Debt payoff (extra)
Needs / year
$50,562
Wants / year
$30,337
Savings / year
$20,225
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Waterloo?
The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Waterloo (IA) is $140,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $110,000 and the 75th percentile is $180,000.
What is the take-home pay for a Machine Learning Engineer in Waterloo?
At the median salary of $140,000, a Machine Learning Engineer in IA takes home approximately $101,123 per year ($8,427/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 27.77%.
Can a Machine Learning Engineer afford rent in Waterloo?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Waterloo is $880/month. On the median Machine Learning Engineer salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 10.4%, which is "Comfortable". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25–30% of take-home pay ($2,106/month at this salary).
How does cost of living affect Machine Learning Engineer salaries in Waterloo?
Waterloo has a cost-of-living index of 0.82 (1.00 = national average). Waterloo is 18% cheaper than the US average, so the Machine Learning Engineer salary goes further here than in high-cost metros.