HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Seattle, WA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$47,531 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$43,919 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000▲ | $63,000 | +$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290▲ | $48,510 | +$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560▲ | $80,640 | +$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200▲ | $100,800 | +$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $47,531 | $50,806▲ | -$3,275 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,148▲ | $58,212 | +$12,936 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $43,919 | $46,945▲ | -$3,026 |
| Total Employment | 145,000 | 95,000 | +50,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $14,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($47,531 vs $50,806 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.