Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$149,000 vs $154,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$116,406 vs $124,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$102,827 vs $114,755
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $149,000 | $154,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,730 | $118,580▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,720 | $197,120▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $238,400 | $246,400▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $116,406 | $124,194▲ | -$7,788 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $131,618 | $142,296▲ | -$10,678 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,827 | $114,755▲ | -$11,928 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 30,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $149,000 vs $154,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($116,406 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.