Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Oklahoma City, OK and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$37,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$43,023 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$37,865 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $37,000 | $53,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,490 | $40,810▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,360 | $67,840▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $59,200 | $84,800▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 124 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,023▲ | $42,742 | +$281 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $32,564 | $48,972▲ | -$16,408 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $37,865 | $39,494▲ | -$1,629 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 95,000 | -72,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $16,000 more (median: $37,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 124), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($43,023 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.