Paralegal · Salary Comparison · 2026
Paralegal Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Paralegals in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$36,000 vs $59,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$43,373 vs $36,420
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$40,077 vs $31,969
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $36,000 | $59,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,720 | $45,430▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,080 | $75,520▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $57,600 | $94,400▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,373▲ | $36,420 | +$6,953 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $33,264 | $51,790▲ | -$18,526 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,077▲ | $31,969 | +$8,108 |
| 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 $23,000 more (median: $36,000 vs $59,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($43,373 vs $36,420 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.