Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Louisville, KY vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Louisville, KY and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$82,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Louisville, KY
$94,253 vs $92,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$83,606 vs $85,694
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $82,000 | $115,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,140 | $88,550▲ | -$25,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,960 | $147,200▲ | -$42,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $131,200 | $184,000▲ | -$52,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 124 | -37 |
| State Income Tax | 4% | 0%▲ | +4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $94,253▲ | $92,742 | +$1,511 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,737 | $106,260▲ | -$33,523 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $83,606 | $85,694▲ | -$2,088 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 30,400 | -22,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Louisville, KY minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $33,000 more (median: $82,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 87 vs 124), Louisville, KY provides better purchasing power ($94,253 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.