Lawyer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Lawyer Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Lawyers in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$132,000 vs $142,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$122,222 vs $114,516
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$106,733 vs $105,813
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $132,000 | $142,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,000 | $99,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,000 | $192,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $237,000 | $255,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $122,222▲ | $114,516 | +$7,706 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $115,272 | $131,208▲ | -$15,936 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,733▲ | $105,813 | +$920 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 5,000 | +3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $10,000 more (median: $132,000 vs $142,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($122,222 vs $114,516 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.