Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Columbus, OH and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$99,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$108,791 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$96,512 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $99,000 | $123,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,230 | $94,710▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,720 | $157,440▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,400 | $196,800▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 124 | -33 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,791▲ | $99,194 | +$9,597 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,826 | $113,652▲ | -$25,826 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,512▲ | $91,655 | +$4,857 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 30,400 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $24,000 more (median: $99,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 124), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($108,791 vs $99,194 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.