Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$52,000 vs $57,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$41,935 vs $35,185
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$38,748 vs $30,886
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $52,000 | $57,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,040 | $43,890▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,560 | $72,960▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,200 | $91,200▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $41,935▲ | $35,185 | +$6,750 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $48,048 | $50,035▲ | -$1,987 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $38,748▲ | $30,886 | +$7,862 |
| Total Employment | 95,000 | 105,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $5,000 more (median: $52,000 vs $57,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($41,935 vs $35,185 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.