Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$33,000 vs $42,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$36,667 vs $33,871
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$32,840 vs $31,297
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $33,000 | $42,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,410 | $32,340▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,240 | $53,760▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $52,800 | $67,200▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $36,667▲ | $33,871 | +$2,796 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $29,556 | $38,808▲ | -$9,252 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,840▲ | $31,297 | +$1,543 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 95,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $33,000 vs $42,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($36,667 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.