Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$65,000 vs $82,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$63,725 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$56,232 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $82,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 | $62,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,000 | $105,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,000 | $128,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,725 | $66,129▲ | -$2,404 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,357 | $75,768▲ | -$18,411 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,232 | $61,103▲ | -$4,871 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 22,000 | +6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $17,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $82,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($63,725 vs $66,129 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.