Nashville vs Memphis: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $126,540 | $128,899▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.84 | $61.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,208▲ | $86,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,860 | $110,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,213▲ | $138,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,561 | $159,354▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,540▲ | 1,800 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $2,359 (1.86%). Memphis's median is -5.82% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $57,353,Memphis spans $72,694. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($139,836 effective) pays 6.46% more than Nashville ($131,350 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,354)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,836)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Nashville grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$95,250 (2019) → $122,320 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$104,340 (2019) → $124,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov