HR Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
HR Manager Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HR Managers in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$97,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$75,781 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$66,941 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $97,000 | $101,000▲ | -$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,690 | $77,770▲ | -$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,160 | $129,280▲ | -$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $155,200 | $161,600▲ | -$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,781 | $81,452▲ | -$5,671 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,684 | $93,324▲ | -$7,640 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,941 | $75,261▲ | -$8,320 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 30,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $4,000 more (median: $97,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($75,781 vs $81,452 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.