Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Boston, MA
$115,019
/ year
+25%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$91,854
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta offers better purchasing power despite Boston paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$115,019✓ higher
$91,854
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$74,382✓ higher
$59,402
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$177,857✓ higher
$142,036
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$80,133✓ higher
$66,153
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$82,156
$87,480✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$74,382✓ higher
$59,402
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$177,857✓ higher
$142,036

What if you move from Boston to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$23,165
25% decrease
Take-home change
$13,980
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$5,324
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Boston, MA$115,019
P10: $74,382Median: $115,019P90: $177,857
Atlanta, GA$91,854
P10: $59,402Median: $91,854P90: $142,036

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs PhiladelphiaAll Systems Administrator salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Systems Administrator earn more in Boston or Atlanta?

The median Systems Administrator salary in Boston, MA is $115,019/yr compared to $91,854/yr in Atlanta, GA. Boston pays 25% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in Boston or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $82,156/yr in a median-cost city, vs $87,480/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Systems Administrator in Boston vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Boston, MA takes home approximately $80,133/yr, vs $66,153/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.