Project Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Project Manager Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Project Managers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$88,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$85,437 vs $81,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$76,970 vs $75,261
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $88,000 | $101,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,760 | $77,770▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,640 | $129,280▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $140,800 | $161,600▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,437▲ | $81,452 | +$3,985 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,279 | $93,324▲ | -$14,045 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $76,970▲ | $75,261 | +$1,709 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 30,400 | -10,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $13,000 more (median: $88,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($85,437 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.