Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$80,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$78,431 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$69,210 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $80,000 | $108,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,600 | $83,160▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,400 | $138,240▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,000 | $172,800▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,431▲ | $66,667 | +$11,764 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,594 | $94,802▲ | -$24,208 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $69,210▲ | $58,520 | +$10,690 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 33,600 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $28,000 more (median: $80,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($78,431 vs $66,667 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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.