Austin vs Odessa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Austin, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,666▲ | $115,829 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.44▲ | $55.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,952▲ | $61,444 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,336▲ | $86,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $209,435▲ | $150,013 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,671▲ | $172,722 |
| Total Employed | 4,070▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.
The salary gap between Austin and Odessa is $34,837 (30.08%). 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 Austin spans $135,719,Odessa spans $111,278. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($153,637 effective) pays 24.55% more than Odessa ($123,359 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Austin grew 42.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Austin, TX
$102,020 (2019) → $145,360 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$98,220 (2019) → $111,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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