Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$35,000 vs $57,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$42,169 vs $35,185
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$38,964 vs $30,886
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $35,000 | $57,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,950 | $43,890▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,800 | $72,960▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $56,000 | $91,200▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $42,169▲ | $35,185 | +$6,984 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $32,340 | $50,035▲ | -$17,695 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $38,964▲ | $30,886 | +$8,078 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 105,000 | -85,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $22,000 more (median: $35,000 vs $57,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($42,169 vs $35,185 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.