Operations Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Operations Manager Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Operations Managers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$74,000 vs $121,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$89,157 vs $74,691
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$82,381 vs $65,564
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $74,000 | $121,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,980 | $93,170▲ | -$36,190 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,720 | $154,880▲ | -$60,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,400 | $193,600▲ | -$75,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,157▲ | $74,691 | +$14,466 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,376 | $106,214▲ | -$37,838 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $82,381▲ | $65,564 | +$16,817 |
| 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 $47,000 more (median: $74,000 vs $121,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($89,157 vs $74,691 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.