Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in Indianapolis, IN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$78,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$86,667 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$77,558 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $101,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,060 | $77,770▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,840 | $129,280▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,800 | $161,600▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $86,667▲ | $81,452 | +$5,215 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $69,802 | $93,324▲ | -$23,522 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $77,558▲ | $75,261 | +$2,297 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 30,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $23,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($86,667 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.