Electrician · Salary Comparison · 2026
Electrician Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Electricians in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$58,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$57,426 vs $52,419
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$50,010 vs $48,435
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $58,000 | $65,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,000 | $50,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,000 | $83,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,000 | $103,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $57,426▲ | $52,419 | +$5,007 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,510 | $60,060▲ | -$9,550 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $50,010▲ | $48,435 | +$1,575 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 14,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $58,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($57,426 vs $52,419 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.