Paralegal · Salary Comparison · 2026
Paralegal Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Paralegals in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$36,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$43,373 vs $40,123
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$40,077 vs $37,074
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $36,000 | $65,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,720 | $50,050▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,080 | $83,200▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $57,600 | $104,000▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,373▲ | $40,123 | +$3,250 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $33,264 | $60,060▲ | -$26,796 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,077▲ | $37,074 | +$3,003 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 145,000 | -125,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $29,000 more (median: $36,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($43,373 vs $40,123 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.