Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Boston, MA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Boston, MA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$127,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$78,395 vs $92,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$68,815 vs $85,694
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $127,000▲ | $115,000 | +$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,790▲ | $88,550 | +$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,560▲ | $147,200 | +$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $203,200▲ | $184,000 | +$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,395 | $92,742▲ | -$14,347 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $111,481▲ | $106,260 | +$5,221 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,815 | $85,694▲ | -$16,879 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 30,400 | +3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $12,000 more (median: $127,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($78,395 vs $92,742 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.