Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$105,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$60,694 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$50,865 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000▲ | $98,000 | +$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850▲ | $75,460 | +$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400▲ | $125,440 | +$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000▲ | $156,800 | +$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $60,694 | $79,032▲ | -$18,338 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,997 | $90,552▲ | -$2,555 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $50,865 | $73,026▲ | -$22,161 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 30,400 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $7,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($60,694 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.