HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$43,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$51,807 vs $43,210
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$47,870 vs $37,930
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $43,000 | $70,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,110 | $53,900▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,040 | $89,600▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $68,800 | $112,000▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,807▲ | $43,210 | +$8,597 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $39,732 | $61,446▲ | -$21,714 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,870▲ | $37,930 | +$9,940 |
| 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 $27,000 more (median: $43,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($51,807 vs $43,210 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.