Lawyer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Lawyer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Lawyers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$98,000 vs $178,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$118,072 vs $109,877
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$109,099 vs $96,449
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $178,000▲ | -$80,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,000 | $126,000▲ | -$57,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,000 | $242,000▲ | -$109,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,000 | $320,000▲ | -$144,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $118,072▲ | $109,877 | +$8,195 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,552 | $156,248▲ | -$65,696 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $109,099▲ | $96,449 | +$12,650 |
| Total Employment | 3,000 | 8,000 | -5,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $80,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $178,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($118,072 vs $109,877 equivalent). Memphis, TN has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Lawyer City Comparisons
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.