Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$61,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$59,223 vs $56,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$53,354 vs $52,161
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $70,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $53,900▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $89,600▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $112,000▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $59,223▲ | $56,452 | +$2,771 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,955 | $64,680▲ | -$9,725 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,354▲ | $52,161 | +$1,193 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 57,000 | -19,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($59,223 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.