Lawyer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Lawyer Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$122,000 vs $142,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$118,447 vs $114,516
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$106,709 vs $105,813
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $122,000 | $142,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,000 | $99,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,000 | $192,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $220,000 | $255,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $118,447▲ | $114,516 | +$3,931 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $109,910 | $131,208▲ | -$21,298 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,709▲ | $105,813 | +$896 |
| Total Employment | 7,000 | 5,000 | +2,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $20,000 more (median: $122,000 vs $142,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($118,447 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.