Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Salt Lake City, UT and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$84,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$75,000 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$66,078 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $98,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $75,460▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $125,440▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $156,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 124 | -12 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,000 | $79,032▲ | -$4,032 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,007 | $90,552▲ | -$16,545 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,078 | $73,026▲ | -$6,948 |
| Total Employment | 14,400 | 30,400 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($75,000 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.