Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$95,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$114,458 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$105,759 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $170,000▲ | -$75,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,000 | $130,000▲ | -$58,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,000 | $218,000▲ | -$96,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $270,000▲ | -$118,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $114,458▲ | $104,938 | +$9,520 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,780 | $157,080▲ | -$69,300 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $105,759▲ | $96,963 | +$8,796 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 58,000 | -50,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $75,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($114,458 vs $104,938 equivalent). Memphis, TN has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.