Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Indianapolis, IN 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
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$72,222 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$64,631 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | 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 | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,222▲ | $66,129 | +$6,093 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,168 | $75,768▲ | -$17,600 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,631▲ | $61,103 | +$3,528 |
| Total Employment | 25,000 | 22,000 | +3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN 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 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($72,222 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.