pay scale in Austin area?

I'm a new grad on the east coast and I'm thinking of moving to Austin in a year or two or three. I understand that new grads start at roughly $18 there which is A LOT lower that what they pay out here. What's the pay like for someone with 2 or 3 years experience?

I realize that the cost of living is really really low out there, but $18 kinda scares me.

Thanks,
-S