HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Indianapolis, IN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$49,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$54,444 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$48,722 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $49,000 | $63,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,730 | $48,510▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,720 | $80,640▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,400 | $100,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $54,444▲ | $50,806 | +$3,638 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $43,850 | $58,212▲ | -$14,362 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $48,722▲ | $46,945 | +$1,777 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 95,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $49,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($54,444 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.