Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$66,000 vs $98,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$79,518 vs $79,032
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$73,475 vs $73,026
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $98,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $75,460▲ | -$24,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $125,440▲ | -$40,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $156,800▲ | -$51,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,518▲ | $79,032 | +$486 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,984 | $90,552▲ | -$29,568 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,475▲ | $73,026 | +$449 |
| 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 $32,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $98,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($79,518 vs $79,032 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.