Mechanical Engineer pay in Austin, by the numbers
After a simplified 14% national tax estimate that is about US$7,700 a month, in a metro with a cost-of-living index of 100.
How Austin compares with United States and TX
San Jose leads at US$168,030, 57% above Austin, while Jacksonville sits at US$99,500. The neighbours in the ranking are New York and Dallas.
Across TX, the 4 observed metros average US$110,500; Austin is 3% below that and 2nd in the state. The others: Houston (US$125,350), San Antonio (US$104,620) and Dallas (US$105,420).
Is US$106,690 a good salary in Austin?
With a COL index of 100, there is little difference between headline pay and price-adjusted pay (US$106,700).
Cash rank and buying-power rank match for Austin: 11th of 21.
Run the median through our simplified tax model (14% effective) and about US$7,700 lands each month. Budget US$1,650 for a modeled 1-bedroom — 21% of pay — and other modeled costs, and roughly US$4,170 remains.
Other TX options for mechanical engineers
A mechanical engineer moving from Austin to Houston (also in TX) would see the median rise 17% to US$125,350, with US$1,210 more left over monthly in our model.
A mechanical engineer moving from Austin to San Antonio (also in TX) would see the median fall 2% to US$104,620, with US$140 less left over monthly in our model.
New York (similar cost level, COL 100) pays US$109,990, 3% more than Austin; modeled monthly leftover is US$210 higher.
Other Austin jobs compared with mechanical engineer
Of the 9 roles we track in Austin, Mechanical Engineer is 4th by median; the highest is Lawyer (US$153,330).
Closest neighbours in the Austin list: Data Scientist at US$127,360 (+19%) and Project Manager at US$102,390 (-4%).
How Austin ranks at the low and high end
The Austin market rewards seniority more than entry: the 90th percentile (US$173,210) ranks 6th of 21, but the 10th (US$68,080) only 17th.
For the top 10% of earners, San Jose leads with US$217,530 at the 90th percentile, +26% against Austin.
The mechanical engineer pay range in Austin
The 90th percentile (US$173,210) is 2.5× the 10th (US$68,080), a wide band that usually reflects different seniority levels and employer types under one title.