Operations Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Operations Manager Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Operations Managers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$95,000 vs $109,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$92,233 vs $87,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$83,093 vs $81,223
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $109,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $83,930▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $139,520▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $174,400▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $92,233▲ | $87,903 | +$4,330 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,586 | $100,716▲ | -$15,130 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $83,093▲ | $81,223 | +$1,870 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 30,400 | -10,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $109,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($92,233 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.