Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Indianapolis, IN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$41,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$45,556 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$40,768 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $41,000 | $53,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,570 | $40,810▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,480 | $67,840▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $65,600 | $84,800▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $45,556▲ | $42,742 | +$2,814 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $36,691 | $48,972▲ | -$12,281 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,768▲ | $39,494 | +$1,274 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 95,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $12,000 more (median: $41,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($45,556 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.