Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$118,000 vs $82,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$68,208 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$57,163 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000▲ | $82,000 | +$36,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000▲ | $62,000 | +$28,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,000▲ | $105,000 | +$46,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $183,000▲ | $128,000 | +$55,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $68,208▲ | $66,129 | +$2,079 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $98,892▲ | $75,768 | +$23,124 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $57,163 | $61,103▲ | -$3,940 |
| Total Employment | 65,000 | 22,000 | +43,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $36,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $82,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Los Angeles, CA provides better purchasing power ($68,208 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.