Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Indianapolis, IN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$76,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$84,444 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$75,569 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $76,000 | $98,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,520 | $75,460▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,280 | $125,440▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $121,600 | $156,800▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,444▲ | $79,032 | +$5,412 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,012 | $90,552▲ | -$22,540 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $75,569▲ | $73,026 | +$2,543 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 30,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $22,000 more (median: $76,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($84,444 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.