Paralegal · Salary Comparison · 2026
Paralegal Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Paralegals in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$36,000 vs $53,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$43,373 vs $42,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$40,077 vs $39,494
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $36,000 | $53,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,720 | $40,810▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,080 | $67,840▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $57,600 | $84,800▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,373▲ | $42,742 | +$631 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $33,264 | $48,972▲ | -$15,708 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,077▲ | $39,494 | +$583 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 95,000 | -75,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $17,000 more (median: $36,000 vs $53,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($43,373 vs $42,742 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.