Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$80,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$78,431 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$69,210 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $80,000 | $98,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,600 | $75,460▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,400 | $125,440▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,000 | $156,800▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,431 | $79,032▲ | -$601 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,594 | $90,552▲ | -$19,958 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $69,210 | $73,026▲ | -$3,816 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 30,400 | -14,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $80,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($78,431 vs $79,032 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.