HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Louisville, KY vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Louisville, KY and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$45,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Louisville, KY
$51,724 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$45,882 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $45,000 | $63,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,650 | $48,510▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,600 | $80,640▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000 | $100,800▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 124 | -37 |
| State Income Tax | 4% | 0%▲ | +4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,724▲ | $50,806 | +$918 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $39,917 | $58,212▲ | -$18,295 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $45,882 | $46,945▲ | -$1,063 |
| Total Employment | 25,000 | 95,000 | -70,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Louisville, KY minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $45,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 87 vs 124), Louisville, KY provides better purchasing power ($51,724 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.