Project Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Project Manager Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Project Managers in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$83,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$81,373 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$71,805 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $101,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $77,770▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $129,280▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $161,600▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $81,373 | $81,452▲ | -$79 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $73,241 | $93,324▲ | -$20,083 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $71,805 | $75,261▲ | -$3,456 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 30,400 | -14,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $18,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($81,373 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.