Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Austin, TX vs Atlanta, GA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Austin, TX
$117,544
/ year
+15%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$102,611
/ year
Bottom line: Austin wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Austin
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$117,544✓ higher
$102,611
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$76,015✓ higher
$66,358
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$181,761✓ higher
$158,670
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$81,657✓ higher
$72,645
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$104,950✓ higher
$97,725
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$76,015✓ higher
$66,358
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$181,761✓ higher
$158,670

What if you move from Austin to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$14,933
15% decrease
Take-home change
$9,012
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$7,225
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Austin, TX$117,544
P10: $76,015Median: $117,544P90: $181,761
Atlanta, GA$102,611
P10: $66,358Median: $102,611P90: $158,670

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

Austin vs New YorkAustin vs Los AngelesAustin vs ChicagoAustin vs HoustonAustin vs PhoenixAustin vs PhiladelphiaAll Network Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Austin or Atlanta?

The median Network Engineer salary in Austin, TX is $117,544/yr compared to $102,611/yr in Atlanta, GA. Austin pays 15% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Austin or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Austin salary has the purchasing power of $104,950/yr in a median-cost city, vs $97,725/yr for Atlanta. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Network Engineer in Austin vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Austin, TX takes home approximately $81,657/yr, vs $72,645/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.