Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Boston, MA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Boston, MA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$171,000 vs $154,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$105,556 vs $124,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$92,657 vs $114,755
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $171,000▲ | $154,000 | +$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,670▲ | $118,580 | +$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,880▲ | $197,120 | +$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $273,600▲ | $246,400 | +$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,556 | $124,194▲ | -$18,638 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $150,104▲ | $142,296 | +$7,808 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $92,657 | $114,755▲ | -$22,098 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 30,400 | +3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $17,000 more (median: $171,000 vs $154,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($105,556 vs $124,194 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.