Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$48,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$46,602 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$41,122 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $48,000 | $53,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,960 | $40,810▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,440 | $67,840▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,800 | $84,800▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $46,602▲ | $42,742 | +$3,860 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $42,356 | $48,972▲ | -$6,616 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $41,122▲ | $39,494 | +$1,628 |
| Total Employment | 55,000 | 95,000 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $48,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($46,602 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.