College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$61,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$67,778 vs $62,097
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$60,704 vs $57,377
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $77,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $59,290▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $98,560▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $123,200▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,778▲ | $62,097 | +$5,681 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,634 | $71,148▲ | -$16,514 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,704▲ | $57,377 | +$3,327 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 57,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $16,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($67,778 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.