Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Austin, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$98,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$79,032 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$73,026 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $119,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,460 | $91,630▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,440 | $152,320▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,800 | $190,400▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,032▲ | $73,457 | +$5,575 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,552 | $109,956▲ | -$19,404 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,026▲ | $67,874 | +$5,152 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 46,400 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($79,032 vs $73,457 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.