Software Engineer salary: San Francisco vs Austin
Austin tech salaries sit ~15-20% below SF — Texas tax structure equalises take-home for most professionals.
Software Engineer median · San Francisco
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US · live Adzuna
Software Engineer median · Austin
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US · live Adzuna
San Francisco market
San Francisco remains the highest-paid tech market globally. Cash base salaries lead the country; equity (RSUs, options) typically adds 30-100% to total comp. The contract day-rate market is the deepest in the world for senior engineering and AI roles.
Austin market
Austin's tech market has matured through the 2020s, anchored by Tesla, Oracle and Indeed. Salaries sit ~15-20% below SF for tech but Texas tax economics often equalise take-home pay.
Software Engineer salary in San Francisco (full report)
Percentiles, contract day rate, side-income context.
Software Engineer salary in Austin (full report)
Percentiles, contract day rate, side-income context.
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