College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$69,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$63,889 vs $62,097
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$55,793 vs $57,377
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $77,000▲ | -$8,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $59,290▲ | -$6,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $98,560▲ | -$10,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $123,200▲ | -$12,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,889▲ | $62,097 | +$1,792 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,256 | $71,148▲ | -$10,892 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $55,793 | $57,377▲ | -$1,584 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 57,000 | -12,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $8,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($63,889 vs $62,097 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.