HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$58,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$54,206 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$47,607 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $58,000 | $63,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,660 | $48,510▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,240 | $80,640▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,800 | $100,800▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $54,206▲ | $50,806 | +$3,400 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,939 | $58,212▲ | -$7,273 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,607▲ | $46,945 | +$662 |
| 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: $58,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($54,206 vs $50,806 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.