Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$67,000 vs $95,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$77,907 vs $76,613
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$68,566 vs $70,790
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $67,000 | $95,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 | $73,150▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,760 | $121,600▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 | $152,000▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $77,907▲ | $76,613 | +$1,294 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,967 | $87,780▲ | -$28,813 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,566 | $70,790▲ | -$2,224 |
| Total Employment | 13,500 | 57,000 | -43,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $28,000 more (median: $67,000 vs $95,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($77,907 vs $76,613 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.