Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$47,000 vs $52,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$43,925 vs $41,935
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$38,578 vs $38,748
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $47,000 | $52,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,190 | $40,040▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,160 | $66,560▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,200 | $83,200▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,925▲ | $41,935 | +$1,990 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $41,278 | $48,048▲ | -$6,770 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $38,578 | $38,748▲ | -$170 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 95,000 | -7,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $47,000 vs $52,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($43,925 vs $41,935 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.