Amarillo vs Austin: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Amarillo, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amarillo, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,004 | $150,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.89 | $72.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,601 | $84,952▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,869 | $114,336▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,118 | $209,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,994 | $220,671▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 4,070▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.
The salary gap between Amarillo and Austin is $40,662 (36.96%). Austin's median is +20.50% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $88,393,Austin spans $135,719. Austin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($153,637 effective) pays 28.24% more than Amarillo ($119,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,666/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,671)
- ✓Larger job market (4,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,637)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Amarillo grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Austin over the same period.
Amarillo, TX
$76,170 (2019) → $106,130 (2025)
Austin, TX
$102,020 (2019) → $145,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amarillo, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Amarillo or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Austin?
Should I relocate from Amarillo to Austin as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov