Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$66,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$79,518 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$73,475 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $108,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $83,160▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $138,240▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $172,800▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,518▲ | $66,667 | +$12,851 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,984 | $94,802▲ | -$33,818 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,475▲ | $58,520 | +$14,955 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 33,600 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $42,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($79,518 vs $66,667 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.