HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$44,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$51,163 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$45,029 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $44,000 | $63,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,880 | $48,510▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,320 | $80,640▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,400 | $100,800▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,163▲ | $50,806 | +$357 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $38,725 | $58,212▲ | -$19,487 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $45,029 | $46,945▲ | -$1,916 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 95,000 | -72,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $19,000 more (median: $44,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($51,163 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.