Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Memphis, TN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Memphis, TN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$48,000 vs $78,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$57,831 vs $48,148
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$53,436 vs $42,264
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $48,000 | $78,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,960 | $60,060▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,440 | $99,840▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,800 | $124,800▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $57,831▲ | $48,148 | +$9,683 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $44,352 | $68,468▲ | -$24,116 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,436▲ | $42,264 | +$11,172 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 63,000 | -51,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $30,000 more (median: $48,000 vs $78,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($57,831 vs $48,148 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.