Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$77,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$85,556 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$76,627 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000 | $98,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290 | $75,460▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560 | $125,440▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200 | $156,800▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,556▲ | $79,032 | +$6,524 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,964 | $90,552▲ | -$21,588 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $76,627▲ | $73,026 | +$3,601 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $21,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($85,556 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.