Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$98,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$113,953 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$100,292 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $140,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,000 | $108,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,000 | $182,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,000 | $225,000▲ | -$69,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,953▲ | $112,903 | +$1,050 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $86,251 | $129,360▲ | -$43,109 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,292 | $104,323▲ | -$4,031 |
| Total Employment | 9,000 | 38,000 | -29,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $42,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($113,953 vs $112,903 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.