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Research Scientist Salary in Austin, TX

Research Scientist salary data for Austin, TX — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Research Scientist Salary in Austin, TX — 2026

The median Research Scientist salary in Austin, TX is $108,900 per year ($9,075/month, $52/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 110, which is 10% above the national average.

Entry Level
$63K
$30/hr
Median
$109K
$52/hr
Senior
$142K
$68/hr
Top Earner
$187K
$90/hr

Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in Austin

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$108,900
Federal Tax-$15,572
State Tax (0.0%)-$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$8,331
Annual Take-Home$84,997
Monthly Take-Home$7,083

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,700/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.7%
Median Home Price$450,000
Cost of Living Index110
City Median Salary$75,000
Research Scientist vs City Median+$33,900

Research Scientist Requirements

Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
2-5 years postdoc
Job Growth
8.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Research DesignData AnalysisGrant WritingStatistical MethodsLab Management

Austin Job Market Overview

Austin, Texas has a population of 978,908 and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. The top industries are Technology, Government, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.5%, and the average commute time is 26 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Research Scientist salary in Austin, TX?
The median Research Scientist salary in Austin, TX is $108,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $62,700, while senior-level professionals can earn $141,900 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Austin after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $108,900 in Austin, TX takes home approximately $84,997 per year ($7,083/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.9%.
Is Austin a good city for Research Scientists?
Austin, TX has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.5% and top industries include Technology, Government, Education.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Austin?
Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Research Scientist salary in Austin compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Austin, the adjusted salary is $108,900, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Research Scientist salary in Austin, TX?

The median Research Scientist salary in Austin, TX is $108,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $62,700, while senior-level professionals can earn $141,900 or more.

How much does a Research Scientist take home in Austin after taxes?

A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $108,900 in Austin, TX takes home approximately $84,997 per year ($7,083/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.9%.

Is Austin a good city for Research Scientists?

Austin, TX has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.5% and top industries include Technology, Government, Education.

What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Austin?

Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.

How does Research Scientist salary in Austin compare to the national average?

The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Austin, the adjusted salary is $108,900, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.