Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: Boston, MA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in Boston, MA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$112,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$69,136 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$60,688 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,000▲ | $101,000 | +$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,240▲ | $77,770 | +$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,360▲ | $129,280 | +$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $179,200▲ | $161,600 | +$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,136 | $81,452▲ | -$12,316 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $98,314▲ | $93,324 | +$4,990 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,688 | $75,261▲ | -$14,573 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 30,400 | +3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $11,000 more (median: $112,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($69,136 vs $81,452 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.