HR Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
HR Manager Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HR Managers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$68,000 vs $112,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$81,928 vs $69,136
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$75,701 vs $60,688
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $112,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,360 | $86,240▲ | -$33,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,040 | $143,360▲ | -$56,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $108,800 | $179,200▲ | -$70,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $81,928▲ | $69,136 | +$12,792 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $62,832 | $98,314▲ | -$35,482 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $75,701▲ | $60,688 | +$15,013 |
| 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 $44,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $112,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($81,928 vs $69,136 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.