Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$49,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$45,794 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$40,220 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $49,000 | $53,000▲ | -$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,730 | $40,810▲ | -$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,720 | $67,840▲ | -$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,400 | $84,800▲ | -$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $45,794▲ | $42,742 | +$3,052 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $43,035 | $48,972▲ | -$5,937 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,220▲ | $39,494 | +$726 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 95,000 | -7,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $4,000 more (median: $49,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($45,794 vs $42,742 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.