HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Dallas, TX vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Dallas, TX and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$59,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$52,679 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$48,675 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $59,000 | $63,000▲ | -$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,430 | $48,510▲ | -$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,520 | $80,640▲ | -$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,400 | $100,800▲ | -$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 124 | -12 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $52,679▲ | $50,806 | +$1,873 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,516 | $58,212▲ | -$3,696 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $48,675▲ | $46,945 | +$1,730 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 95,000 | -7,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $4,000 more (median: $59,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 124), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($52,679 vs $50,806 equivalent). Dallas, 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.