Project Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Project Manager Salary: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Project Managers in Columbus, OH and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$81,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$89,011 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$78,965 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $81,000 | $101,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,370 | $77,770▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,680 | $129,280▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,600 | $161,600▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 124 | -33 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,011▲ | $81,452 | +$7,559 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,858 | $93,324▲ | -$21,466 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $78,965▲ | $75,261 | +$3,704 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 30,400 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $20,000 more (median: $81,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 124), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($89,011 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.