Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$28,000 vs $47,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$33,735 vs $29,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$31,171 vs $25,467
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $28,000 | $47,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $21,560 | $36,190▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,840 | $60,160▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,800 | $75,200▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $33,735▲ | $29,012 | +$4,723 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $25,872 | $41,257▲ | -$15,385 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $31,171▲ | $25,467 | +$5,704 |
| 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 $19,000 more (median: $28,000 vs $47,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($33,735 vs $29,012 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.