Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$90,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$84,112 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$73,873 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $98,000▲ | -$8,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300 | $75,460▲ | -$6,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200 | $125,440▲ | -$10,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000 | $156,800▲ | -$12,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,112▲ | $79,032 | +$5,080 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,044 | $90,552▲ | -$11,508 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,873▲ | $73,026 | +$847 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 30,400 | -2,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $8,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($84,112 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.