Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$56,000 vs $52,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$32,370 vs $41,935
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$27,128 vs $38,748
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $56,000▲ | $52,000 | +$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120▲ | $40,040 | +$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,680▲ | $66,560 | +$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,600▲ | $83,200 | +$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $32,370 | $41,935▲ | -$9,565 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $46,932 | $48,048▲ | -$1,116 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $27,128 | $38,748▲ | -$11,620 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 95,000 | +25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $4,000 more (median: $56,000 vs $52,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($32,370 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.