Operations Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Operations Manager Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Operations Managers in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$98,000 vs $109,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$90,741 vs $87,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$79,242 vs $81,223
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $109,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,460 | $83,930▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,440 | $139,520▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,800 | $174,400▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $90,741▲ | $87,903 | +$2,838 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,581 | $100,716▲ | -$15,135 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,242 | $81,223▲ | -$1,981 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 30,400 | -6,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $11,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $109,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($90,741 vs $87,903 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.