Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$35,000 vs $42,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$34,314 vs $33,871
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$30,279 vs $31,297
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $35,000 | $42,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,950 | $32,340▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,800 | $53,760▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $56,000 | $67,200▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $34,314▲ | $33,871 | +$443 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $30,885 | $38,808▲ | -$7,923 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $30,279 | $31,297▲ | -$1,018 |
| Total Employment | 50,000 | 95,000 | -45,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $35,000 vs $42,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($34,314 vs $33,871 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.