Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Austin, TX and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$98,000 vs $95,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$79,032 vs $74,219
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$73,026 vs $65,561
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000▲ | $95,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,460▲ | $73,150 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,440▲ | $121,600 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,800▲ | $152,000 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 128 | -4 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,032▲ | $74,219 | +$4,813 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,552▲ | $83,918 | +$6,634 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,026▲ | $65,561 | +$7,465 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 22,400 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $3,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $95,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 128), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($79,032 vs $74,219 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.