Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$54,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$60,674 vs $56,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$53,680 vs $52,161
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $70,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $53,900▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $89,600▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $112,000▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $60,674▲ | $56,452 | +$4,222 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,775 | $64,680▲ | -$16,905 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,680▲ | $52,161 | +$1,519 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 57,000 | -34,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $16,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($60,674 vs $56,452 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.