Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$44,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$43,564 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$37,939 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $44,000 | $53,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,880 | $40,810▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,320 | $67,840▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,400 | $84,800▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,564▲ | $42,742 | +$822 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $38,318 | $48,972▲ | -$10,654 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $37,939 | $39,494▲ | -$1,555 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 95,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $44,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($43,564 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.