Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$98,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$79,032 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$73,026 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $108,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,460 | $83,160▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,440 | $138,240▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,800 | $172,800▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,032▲ | $66,667 | +$12,365 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,552 | $94,802▲ | -$4,250 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,026▲ | $58,520 | +$14,506 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 33,600 | -3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $10,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($79,032 vs $66,667 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.