Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$85,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$82,524 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$74,347 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $85,000 | $108,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,450 | $83,160▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,800 | $138,240▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,000 | $172,800▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,524▲ | $66,667 | +$15,857 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $76,577 | $94,802▲ | -$18,225 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,347▲ | $58,520 | +$15,827 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 33,600 | -13,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $23,000 more (median: $85,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($82,524 vs $66,667 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% 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.