Paralegal · Salary Comparison · 2026
Paralegal Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Paralegals in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$57,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$32,948 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$27,613 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000▲ | $53,000 | +$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890▲ | $40,810 | +$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960▲ | $67,840 | +$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200▲ | $84,800 | +$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $32,948 | $42,742▲ | -$9,794 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,770 | $48,972▲ | -$1,202 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $27,613 | $39,494▲ | -$11,881 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 95,000 | +25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $4,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($32,948 vs $42,742 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.