Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Austin, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$82,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,129 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$61,103 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $82,000 | $115,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,000 | $88,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,000 | $148,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,000 | $180,000▲ | -$52,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $66,129 | $70,988▲ | -$4,859 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,768 | $106,260▲ | -$30,492 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,103 | $65,593▲ | -$4,490 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 32,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $82,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($66,129 vs $70,988 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.