Austin vs Seattle for Software Engineers (2026)
The HackerX talent pool has 2,158 developers in Austin and 2,184 developers in Seattle. Compare developer supply, in-demand stacks, estimated salary bands, cost of living and upcoming HackerX hiring events below.
Austin
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | $90K – $115K |
| Mid-level (2–5 yrs) | $115K – $150K |
| Senior (5–8 yrs) | $145K – $190K |
| Staff+ (8+ yrs) | $180K – $245K |
Salary figures are 2026 market estimates, not HackerX data. See the Austin salary guide.
Seattle
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | $105K – $140K |
| Mid-level (2–5 yrs) | $135K – $175K |
| Senior (5–8 yrs) | $170K – $230K |
| Staff+ (8+ yrs) | $215K – $300K |
Salary figures are 2026 market estimates, not HackerX data. See the Seattle salary guide.
Cost of living & pay, side by side
Cost of living in Seattle is roughly 17% higher than in Austin (estimated cost-of-living index Seattle 84 vs Austin 72, where New York = 100). These are estimates for guidance only.
Austin: Austin salaries run roughly 15–25% below San Francisco, but the lower cost of living and zero state income tax often mean comparable or better take-home value.
Seattle: Seattle salaries track within ~10% of San Francisco, and Washington state has no income tax, which boosts take-home pay.
Ready to make a move?
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