College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Indianapolis, IN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$59,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$65,556 vs $62,097
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$58,666 vs $57,377
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $59,000 | $77,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,430 | $59,290▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,520 | $98,560▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,400 | $123,200▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,556▲ | $62,097 | +$3,459 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,799 | $71,148▲ | -$18,349 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,666▲ | $57,377 | +$1,289 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 57,000 | -34,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $59,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($65,556 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.