Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$45,000 vs $52,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$43,689 vs $41,935
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$39,360 vs $38,748
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $45,000 | $52,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,650 | $40,040▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,600 | $66,560▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000 | $83,200▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,689▲ | $41,935 | +$1,754 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $40,541 | $48,048▲ | -$7,507 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,360▲ | $38,748 | +$612 |
| Total Employment | 62,500 | 95,000 | -32,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $45,000 vs $52,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($43,689 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.