Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$92,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$82,143 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$75,900 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $108,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $83,160▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $138,240▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $172,800▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,143▲ | $66,667 | +$15,476 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,008 | $94,802▲ | -$9,794 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $75,900▲ | $58,520 | +$17,380 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 33,600 | -5,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $16,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($82,143 vs $66,667 equivalent). Dallas, TX 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.