Operations Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Operations Manager Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Operations Managers in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$74,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$89,157 vs $82,099
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$82,381 vs $75,859
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $74,000 | $133,000▲ | -$59,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,980 | $102,410▲ | -$45,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,720 | $170,240▲ | -$75,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,400 | $212,800▲ | -$94,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,157▲ | $82,099 | +$7,058 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,376 | $122,892▲ | -$54,516 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $82,381▲ | $75,859 | +$6,522 |
| 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 $59,000 more (median: $74,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($89,157 vs $82,099 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.