Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$60,000 vs $82,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$69,767 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$61,403 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $60,000 | $82,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,000 | $62,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,000 | $105,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,000 | $128,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,767▲ | $66,129 | +$3,638 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $52,807 | $75,768▲ | -$22,961 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,403▲ | $61,103 | +$300 |
| Total Employment | 18,000 | 22,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $22,000 more (median: $60,000 vs $82,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($69,767 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.