Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$37,000 vs $42,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$35,922 vs $33,871
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$32,362 vs $31,297
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $37,000 | $42,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,490 | $32,340▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,360 | $53,760▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $59,200 | $67,200▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $35,922▲ | $33,871 | +$2,051 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $33,333 | $38,808▲ | -$5,475 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,362▲ | $31,297 | +$1,065 |
| Total Employment | 62,500 | 95,000 | -32,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $37,000 vs $42,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($35,922 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.