Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$78,000 vs $82,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$75,728 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$68,223 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $82,000▲ | -$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $62,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,000 | $105,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,000 | $128,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,728▲ | $66,129 | +$9,599 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,270 | $75,768▲ | -$5,498 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,223▲ | $61,103 | +$7,120 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 22,000 | +13,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $4,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $82,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($75,728 vs $66,129 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Registered Nurse City Comparisons
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.