College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$67,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$65,049 vs $62,097
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$58,602 vs $57,377
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $67,000 | $77,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 | $59,290▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,760 | $98,560▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 | $123,200▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,049▲ | $62,097 | +$2,952 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,360 | $71,148▲ | -$10,788 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,602▲ | $57,377 | +$1,225 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 57,000 | -19,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $10,000 more (median: $67,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($65,049 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.