Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Austin, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$140,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$112,903 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$104,323 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $140,000 | $170,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,000 | $130,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,000 | $218,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,000 | $270,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,903▲ | $104,938 | +$7,965 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $129,360 | $157,080▲ | -$27,720 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $104,323▲ | $96,963 | +$7,360 |
| Total Employment | 38,000 | 58,000 | -20,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $140,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($112,903 vs $104,938 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.