Salary Comparison

Software Engineer Salary:
Austin, TX vs Washington DC, DC

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

Austin, TX
$159,408
/ year
-24%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$208,470
/ year
Bottom line: Washington DC wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Austin
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$159,408
$208,470✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$103,088
$134,817✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$246,496
$322,362✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$106,922
$139,581✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$142,329
$146,810✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$103,088
$134,817✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$246,496
$322,362✓ higher

What if you move from Austin to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$49,062
24% increase
Take-home change
+$32,659
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,481
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$159,408
P10: $103,088Median: $159,408P90: $246,496
Washington DC, DC$208,470
P10: $134,817Median: $208,470P90: $322,362

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Software Engineer earn more in Austin or Washington DC?

The median Software Engineer salary in Austin, TX is $159,408/yr compared to $208,470/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 24% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software Engineer salary worth more in Austin or Washington DC after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Austin salary has the purchasing power of $142,329/yr in a median-cost city, vs $146,810/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer in Austin vs Washington DC?

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in Austin, TX takes home approximately $106,922/yr, vs $139,581/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.