Actuary · Salary Comparison · 2026
Actuary Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Actuarys in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$84,000 vs $123,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$101,205 vs $99,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$93,513 vs $91,655
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $123,000▲ | -$39,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $94,710▲ | -$30,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $157,440▲ | -$49,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $196,800▲ | -$62,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,205▲ | $99,194 | +$2,011 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $113,652▲ | -$36,036 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,513▲ | $91,655 | +$1,858 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 30,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $39,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $123,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($101,205 vs $99,194 equivalent). Memphis, TN has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.