Knoxville vs Memphis: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Knoxville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,341 | $85,828▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.10 | $41.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,100 | $68,746▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,349 | $83,090▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,407 | $100,866▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,530 | $118,274▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,500 | 13,760▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Memphis is $4,487 (5.52%). Memphis's median is -16.45% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $42,430,Memphis spans $49,528. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($93,110 effective) pays 5.96% more than Knoxville ($87,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,828/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,274)
- ✓Larger job market (13,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,110)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Knoxville grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$58,280 (2019) → $77,240 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$65,790 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Knoxville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Memphis as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Knoxville vs Memphis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov