Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$55,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$61,111 vs $56,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$54,733 vs $52,161
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $55,000 | $70,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,350 | $53,900▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,400 | $89,600▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,000 | $112,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $61,111▲ | $56,452 | +$4,659 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $49,260 | $64,680▲ | -$15,420 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $54,733▲ | $52,161 | +$2,572 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 57,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $15,000 more (median: $55,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($61,111 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.