Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Nashville, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$83,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$75,455 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$69,720 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $108,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $83,160▲ | -$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $138,240▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $172,800▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,455▲ | $66,667 | +$8,788 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $76,692 | $94,802▲ | -$18,110 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $69,720▲ | $58,520 | +$11,200 |
| Total Employment | 14,400 | 33,600 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $25,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($75,455 vs $66,667 equivalent). Nashville, 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.