Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$105,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$126,506 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$116,892 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $187,000▲ | -$82,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850 | $143,990▲ | -$63,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400 | $239,360▲ | -$104,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000 | $299,200▲ | -$131,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $126,506▲ | $115,432 | +$11,074 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $97,020 | $172,788▲ | -$75,768 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $116,892▲ | $106,659 | +$10,233 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 46,400 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $82,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($126,506 vs $115,432 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.