HR Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
HR Manager Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HR Managers in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$79,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$87,778 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$78,617 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $79,000 | $101,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,830 | $77,770▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,120 | $129,280▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $126,400 | $161,600▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $87,778▲ | $81,452 | +$6,326 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,755 | $93,324▲ | -$22,569 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $78,617▲ | $75,261 | +$3,356 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $22,000 more (median: $79,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($87,778 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.