Nashville vs Memphis: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,108▲ | $136,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.36▲ | $65.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,782 | $105,364▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,982▲ | $128,805 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,482▲ | $156,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,127▲ | $168,895 |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 1,460 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $3,432 (2.51%). Nashville's median is -2.36% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $99,345,Memphis spans $63,531. Nashville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($148,272 effective) pays 1.95% more than Nashville ($145,434 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,127)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,272)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Nashville grew 6.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$129,150 (2019) → $137,590 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$128,270 (2019) → $134,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov