HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$56,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$54,369 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$47,977 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $56,000 | $63,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120 | $48,510▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,680 | $80,640▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,600 | $100,800▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $54,369▲ | $50,806 | +$3,563 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $49,416 | $58,212▲ | -$8,796 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,977▲ | $46,945 | +$1,032 |
| Total Employment | 55,000 | 95,000 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $56,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($54,369 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.